New York, NY (Top40 Charts) People often turn to music as a means of coping with different situations. Whether it be a good experience or a bad one, there's always a song that can convey the emotions one is feeling. Japanese/German band, I Promised Once, strives to make their music something listeners can rely on and give them the strength to persevere through difficult times and their new single, "Departed," is a perfect example.
Lyrically, the intense vocals in "Departed," tells a story of finding an inner strength to walk away from a toxic relationship. Guitarist Nils shared, "This song describes trying to find the power to get out of a bad relationship, to walk away from the bullying and gaslighting that is used to manipulate people and become a stronger person in the end."
When Guitarist Kunio was writing the music to accompany the powerful lyrics, he used a past show as inspiration for which direction musically he wanted to take the track. He explained, "After playing at Loud Park in 2016 (the biggest metal festival in Japan), I really wanted to write a fast-paced metal classic. I think anyone who likes heavy metal, old-school & newer styles, will be able to enjoy this one! The intro and the verse riff is perfect to do a circle pit and I am looking forward to seeing everyone headbang and mosh when the breakdown kicks in. Needless to say, to make it a true heavy metal track, I had to include an epic solo which is one of my favorite parts to shred on Salvation!"
"Departed" is from I Promised Once's debut full length, "Salvation," that will be released on January 19th via Needful Things Records. Pre-orders of the record and exclusive merchandise can be found at Merchbucket.
About I Promised Once:
I Promised Once is a band that isn't afraid to take risks when it comes to their music. Combining elements of metalcore, djent, electronic and even hip hop, the end result covers different spectrums of heaviness and transcends genres.
Originally started back in high school with Vocalist
George and Guitarist Nils, the band was put on hold as they both moved to separate countries. However, they knew this wouldn't be the end as they promised one another that they would make music together again. The addition of Guitarist Kunio, Bassist Joe and Sho on drums solidified the line up along with Flo on Synths as well as Vocals who brought the band to a whole new level.
While the band is preparing to release their upcoming full length out (out 2017), they are no strangers to the studio. Their debut EP, "
New Blood" (Mixed by Aljoscha Sieg of Pitchback Studios, Mastered by Brian Hood of 456 Recordings was released in 2015) was met with a tremendous reaction with a sold out release show in Japan. After seeing early success, I Promised Once was eager to get back in the studio and released back to back EP's in 2016. "Dust to Dust" (Mixed/Mastered by Florent Salfati of Homeless Records) was released in April with "
The Awakening" (Mixed/Mastered by Salfati) out in December.
Even though the members may be spread out over multiple countries, that doesn't stop them from showcasing their talents live. The band has played notable Japanese festivals including 'Countdown' and 'Loud Park 16' as well as a multi country tour in support of their "Dust to Dust" release. I Promised Once has shared the stage with bands from all over the world including German bands Rats and Wolves, Shoot The Girl First from France, Palisades and A Scent Like Wolves from the U.S. and Fail Emotions from Russia. They've also played with Japanese heavy hitters Crossfaith, Crystal Lake and Babymetal.
While achieving success in just a few short years, I Promised Once is ready in 2017 to expand their horizons by signing to American based label Needful Things Records (distributed by Tragic Hero Records). Guitarist Nils explains, "As a global metalcore band, becoming part of the Tragic Hero Records family was always one of our dreams since they are well-known for signing unique bands that push the genre to new heights. When we heard that they created Needful Things Records to support bands and help grow them together with the Tragic Hero team and were interested to work with us, we jumped on the opportunity to put another Japanese band on the international map and to get our music heard by people all over the world."
I Promised Once is appropriately named as it relates to how our past influences our actions in the future.
Negative and positive experiences define you as a person and everyone has trials they need to overcome to be the person who they are today. If the past is any indication of where I Promised Once is heading, the possibilities are limitless and this is only the beginning of a bright future.
