MAZIAC release new track by track guide for ‘Forged’

MAZIAC have released a new track by track guide for their upcoming album!

Formed in 2017 and residing in the nation’s capital, MAZIAC are comprised of Tony Best [Guitar/Vocals], Tim Stokes [Bass/Backing Vocals/Synths] and Marc Vachon [Drums]. The band’s heritage is varied, much like their sound; Tony is half English/half Salvadorean and grew up in The Netherlands. Marc is from Montreal, Canada, and the only British native, Tim, is from Bedfordshire. In May 2018, the band set loose their self-released debut EP, Parallel, which was mixed and mastered by Justin Hill (SIKTH). The record picked up strong praise and now, a year later, comes their debut album Forged. Ahead of the album’s release this Friday we asked MAZIAC to give a track by track guide for the new album, check it out below!

Symptomatic

Our heaviest track! A blend of pounding tech-metal and melancholy alt-metal with a beast of a breakdown at the end. It’s about an experience causing emotional trauma which manifests through persistent physical symptoms.

Escapism

This was the first track that we wrote together. It laid the foundation of our musical chemistry, both instrumentally and vocally (in terms of Tim and Tony’s harmonies). Tony wrote the riffs years ago when he was experimenting with a rock-centric approach to down-tuned progressive metal.

 

Cortisol

Tim wrote the intro riff and the rest elaborated from there. It may have some poppy elements but Marc kept it brutal by adding some powerful blast-beats to it! The lyrics are about coping with the many sources and consequences of stress.

Prisoners

A particularly experimental one – classically influenced riffs, written on an acoustic guitar, combined with spoken word/rap vocals and heavy synths. MUSE meets RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE meets NINE INCH NAILS perhaps? It starts by describing a physical prisoner then goes on to explore the different ways one can feel like a prisoner mentally despite being technically ‘free’.

Vicissitudes

It came about from messing around in the practice room. It fit so well at the beginning of Again? but also worked well as a stand-alone track so we decided to have it as an interlude on the album before Again? kicks in. The sad, bluesy vibes evoke a sense of nostalgia from things changing, hence the title Vicissitudes which means a change of circumstance.

Again?

The riffs stemmed from Tony exploring his Latin American roots; it combines traditional Latin rhythms with prog metal grooves. The lyrics deal with disgust at aspects of the current political climate and self-indulgent behaviour which is becoming normalised. We’re particularly proud of the instrumental mid-section build-up.

Allure

Our happy song! Tony challenged himself to eschew his proclivity for morose subject matter and write about feeling good – partially inspired by his wife, with lyrical input from Marc and based around a riff written by Tim. There is also a feeling of tension throughout reflecting the fear of good things coming to an end. It has a nice little ska-inspired section which really sets it apart from the other songs.

Resolution

A fan favourite. A slower affair which closes the album on an epic note. It’s experimental time signature-wise but overall relatively straightforward. Its theme is overcoming adversity and acknowledging the self-imposed hindrances which are holding you back.

Forged is set for release on July 5th via self-release.

For more information on MOZAIC like their official page on Facebook.