DEAD ICARUS, the latest project from Alex Varkatzas, has released their debut album, Zealot, through MNRK HEAVY.
A collaboration among Varkatzas, known for his tenure as the frontman of ATREYU, guitarist and producer Gabe Mangold of ENTERPRISE EARTH, and drummer Brandon Zackey, the album brings together a mix of relentless energy and technical expertise. Produced and co-written by Mangold, Zealot combines piercing riffs, intricate solos, blast beats, and varied vocal textures from Varkatzas, creating a sonically intense experience that is at once precise and uncompromising.
Reflecting on the project, Varkatzas explains, “Zealot is the culmination of our unyielding, fanatical belief. We set out to create a dynamic, multi-faceted record that incorporated everything we love about music. It’s heavy, it’s melodic, it’s angry, it’s hopeful, it has riffs and hooks, but above all it’s sincere and comes purely from our hearts and minds. No outside interference. We hope you connect with and enjoy the music as much as we do.”
The title track, Zealot, stands as a notable departure from the album’s aggressive core, with a unique edge and an experimental approach. As Varkatzas points out, “The title track is our most out-of-the-box song on the record. It definitely toys with a nu-metal vibe but with our own unique DEAD ICARUS spin. It’s about abandoning compromise and following your internal compass NO MATTER THE COST.” The music video, set in a haunted house, underscores this eerie and unrestrained theme, fittingly launched in late October.
DEAD ICARUS is deeply shaped by the artistic commitment of its members. Varkatzas’ trajectory began with ATREYU, where his influence contributed to the band’s global rise and cemented his place in metalcore.
In 2020, Varkatzas pivoted toward a new vision, one realized with the formation of DEAD ICARUS. Mangold, renowned for his technical proficiency, joined forces with Varkatzas, first making waves with the release of their Ad infernum EP in early 2024, which garnered critical recognition, including from Revolver, which noted, “Fans of old-school ATREYU will definitely enjoy.”
Zealot is available on several formats, including a “Hot Sauce Splatter Vinyl,” CD, and bundle options, now shipping through MNRK HEAVY.
