Monday morning saw the release of music video from post-metal band Ex Eye. “Xenolith Anvil,” is the second single released from their self-titled debut album due June 23rd. Set in a foggy recording studio, the band set out to explore “hidden realities and metaphorical representations of the titular subject.” Through the interplay of creative camerawork, claustrophobic footage, and adrenaline-pumping music, Ex Eye and director Derrick Belcham have created something special.
While Ex Eye is new on the scene, many may recognize prolific saxophonist and member Colin Stetson. He’s worked with dozens of artists including Arcade Fire, Tom Waits, Bon Iver, as well as put out nine solo albums. While Stetson is the most well known member, he is by no means the only one worthy of mention. Completed by drummer Greg Fox of Liturgy, Shahzad Ismaily of Secret Chiefs 3 on synths, and guitarist Toby Summerfield of Never Enough Hope, the collective is something of an avant-garde supergroup. They made a name for themselves when performing at festivals like Roskilde Festival (Denmark) and Red Bull Music Academy (Montreal), which quickly led to their signing with Relapse Records.
The description of the Ex Eye album posted alongside the video described an album that will, “seamlessly weave between precise, clockwork intricacy and aggressive, ecstatic abandon while taking the listener on a cathartic, thrilling journey to total transcendence.” It goes on to say that the work was recorded at Ismaily’s famous Figure 8 Studios in Brooklyn. It even makes a subtle statement that the band isn’t just a project of Stetson’s. According to the release, Ex Eye is a band that is “is without question the sum of its parts, as each player contributes not only their own particular technical prowess and expertise but also their signature compositional character. ”
For those seeking to reach total transcendence through a thrilling journey, the album will be available June 23rd.
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