The British technical metalcore band Eschalon released their new single 'Shallow', along with a music video directed by Jake Ten. The song reflects on the childhood traumas experienced by lead singer Brad Makinson, who was buried alive by his abuser.
Watch the video here:
Listen to the song here: Eschalon - Shallow
British technical metalcore group Eschalon launched at the end of 2023 with their award-winning debut single 'Helios', which has amassed over 120,000 views on YouTube and 45,000 plays on Spotify worldwide.
'Shallow', featuring Haydn Connolly (In Fear, Amber Palace), explores the darker side of the band's broad and unique approach to metalcore. With a perfect blend of visceral brutality and impressive serenity, the track is a no-holds-barred sonic assault that transitions with ease between calculated violence and the ethereal beauty present in Eschalon's sound.
Lead singer Brad Makinson comments:
"Although the lyrics of 'Shallow' are rooted in a deeply personal journey of survival. As a child, I suffered an attack of physical, mental and emotional torment inflicted by a bully. Paralyzed by fear, I carried the weight of my anguish in silence, trapped in a cycle of isolation and despair. Even those closest to me were unaware of the depth of my suffering, as I struggled to reconcile the betrayal of a 'friend' who had become my tormentor.
"The most harrowing chapter of my story unfolded one day in a local playground, where my innocence was suffocated and my childhood dreams turned into nightmares. At the age of ten, I came face to face with my own mortality when I was coerced into digging my own grave, only to be buried alive by my attacker. Fortunately, a passer-by intervened, snatching me from the jaws of death and sparing me an early grave. 'Shallow' portrays the visceral aftermath of this traumatic event, a searing indictment of the scars it left me with and the fetid hatred that consumed me in its wake.
"In the conceptual representation of this in the video, Max (vocals) takes on the role of savior, standing next to me in the video, fighting against the darkness and negativity. His presence embodies the power of companionship and support, illustrating how seeking out a friend can be a lifeline in times of isolation and despair. Scenes inside caves throughout the video echo the themes of loneliness, darkness and isolation, mirroring the depths of anguish I felt. However, in the midst of these caves of despair, Max's presence as the savior shines like a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, the help of a friend can guide us back to the light.
"This song is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of hope, friendship and reclaiming the narrative from the depths of despair."
Founded in Cambridge by Simon Garrod and Miles Taylor, Eschalon was a behind-the-scenes project for many years. During lockdown, the band finished writing several pieces before recruiting the right members for the job, which eventually resulted in what we know as Eschalon today.
They began recording with Floodgate Audio's Meyrick De La Fuente at the end of 2021 to create their all-encompassing sonic and visual onslaught. Blending dissonance with serenity, the band draws inspiration from a wide range of influences, fusing various genres to create a dense and chaotic soundscape.
See the band live in the UK this year:
- March 23: Cambridge The Six Six Bar [SOLD OUT]
- March 30th: Stafford The Dog House
- May 04: Norwich B2
- May 30: London 229
- May 31: Wakefield Vortex
- June 01: Bolton Alma Inn [SOLD OUT]
- July 20: Birmingham The Flapper
- 02 November: Oxford The Bullingdon
Tickets here: www.eschalon.co.uk
Eschalon online:
https://linktr.ee/eschalon
https://www.facebook.com/Eschalon
https://www.instagram.com/eschalonuk
Artists: Eschalon