Mysterious masked metal band, President have finally released their first music video – ‘In The Name of the Father.’ President, first came to the attention of metal fans, when without explanation of who or what they are and no released music, they were quietly added to this years Download line up. The festival website gave us only this cryptic message; “Citizens, the time has come. No names. No past. No distractions. Only the mission ahead. At Download Festival, the inauguration begins. Not with words, but with action. Not with empty promises, but with undeniable force. There will be no campaign, no debate, no opposition. Only one truth: President has arrived. The oath will be taken. The people will decide. History will be made.”
What followed, was a dedicated website for the band, social media profiles and a short video, featuring a shadowy figure in a red lit corridor and a red neon double cross symbol. Beyond that, we knew nothing about the band. There has been some very strong speculation about who is behind the mask, but until it’s officially released, I won’t be naming them here. If you really want to know you can look it up very quickly, but why spoil the mystique they have tried so hard to create? Their presentation of a political rally, manifestos and votes is unique and works all the better with anonymity that has been created.
Finally President have released their debut single and music video ‘In The Name of the Father.’ A masked band capable of beautiful ‘poppy’ segments, is undoubtedly going to draw comparisons to Sleep Token and Ghost. It is unwarranted though, as President neither look nor sound like either band. Gentle but dissonant notes open the track, while we see different shots of the masked man, before he turns and smiles at us then breaks into a blistering scream as the song starts. A beautiful but heavy effects laden verse gives way to a spoken word broadcast, that itself leads to another scream for the chorus; “Scare them, scare them scare them, make them worship.” The song is heavy, melodic and mysterious and filled with meaning and lyrics to dig through and leaves us wanting more from this anonymous band.
Along with the single, President released this statement:
“Something has been stirring. A growing noise, a ripple through the republic of the underground. We called. You listened. Your curiosity, your questions, your conversation… We have witnessed it all.
Here, we make our first proclamation. ‘In The Name Of The Father’. This is the first crack in the surface. This is your PRESIDENT. We’ll be seeing you soon.
Godspeed”.
Watch the music video for ‘In The Name of the Father’ here.
Chris \m/
