Track of the Week: 'Brand New You' by If Hope Dies

Looking for a track that mixes angry energy with uplifting lyrics? Then read on.

"If Hope Dies' new single 'Brand New You' is a certified fucking banger! It's full of positive aggressive energy, which is always an interesting mix."
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Today we are here to prove to you once again that India is packed with interesting Metal bands, in this case it's the four piece outfit from Sukna, in the  Darjeeling district, called If Hope Dies. The independent group formed in 2010 from the minds of Abinash Moktan (Guitars) and Aakash Sherpa (Vocals). 

Since then the two have been joined by ​Rupsang Lama on Drums and Pratik Rasailee on Bass, and after that, they soon started touring relentlessly and making a name for themselves on the local scene, releasing in 2016 their debut EP Sukna.

If Hope Dies' latest track 'Brand New You' was released on the 3rd of July, two years after their latest single 'Secrecy', and was written by Aakash for drummer Rupsang. The frontman said “If your near and dear ones are going through hell and not keeping well, it is your job to make ‘em feel safe and tell ‘em ‘You could do this’ and ‘You can overcome any problem’ or ‘Fight to live another day.’ That’s what we did. We are in a much better space now.”

The clip for 'Brand New You' was shot during lockdown by Samir Chettri, a friend of the band, on an iPhone, proving that you don't need big bucks and expensive equipment to make a video.

If Hope Dies' new single 'Brand New You' is a certified fucking banger! It's full of positive aggressive energy, which is always an interesting mix. It infuses Djent and Hardcore well, the song starts with huge riffs and harsh vocals before it becomes a bit more calmer so to speak, during the anthem like chorus with its clean vocals, before picking back up to finish off, with horns no less. And that solo at the 4 minute mark? incredible!

We've recently discovered Metal bands from South Asia, and I've only had the chance to hear a handful so far, but not one of them has been a let down, leading me to become a massive fan of this scene. The songs always have huge amounts of passion and/ or meaning to the bands and their fans, which always creates superior music. I know artists around the world do this, but it just feels like the groups from the Sub-Continent are either trying harder, or are nailing it better at the moment.

'Brand New You' is full of positive aggressive energy, a great mix.

9/10

​Written by Dan. ​

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