The new single “Reborn” by EXISTENTIAL DEAD easily surpasses many contemporary releases in its structure and ambition, even those from more recognizable names like Killswitch Engage (check out their generic new single here). It’s quite rare to find instrumental metalcore that feels this deliberate, where most of the layers—be it the bold synthwave intro or the post-metal riffs—serves a purpose. Nikita Golozubov, the one-man force behind the project, has managed to craft a track that not only demands attention but also challenges expectations of what this genre can achieve.
What makes “Reborn” stand out is its ability to balance technicality with emotion. The song opens with a synth-driven atmosphere, an unusual choice for metalcore, yet it transitions seamlessly into melodic yet punishing riffs that anchor the composition.
Nikita explains, “In the beginning of writing the demo, I used clean guitar for the intro. But in search of a more original sound, I came to the conclusion that synth suited the atmosphere of this track best, and on the final version of the mix, the necessary sound was achieved.” This meticulous approach to sound design reflects a depth often missing in instrumental releases, making the track both cohesive and daring.
There’s a narrative quality to the music that goes beyond its technical layers. “Reborn” is a meditation on cycles of emotional burnout and recovery, a theme rooted in Nikita’s personal journey.
“The message is simple—every emotional burnout is necessarily followed by rebirth and an exit from this state. This is a reminder to yourself and others—don’t give up at the most difficult moment.”
The project was born from upheaval. Nikita’s musical journey began in Russia, where he taught himself to play guitar and crafted his first demos. But his world shifted in 2022 with the military invasion of Ukraine, forcing him to leave his home country.
“I didn’t have a plan, I just loved playing and jamming on the guitar, most of the time alone, sometimes getting together with friends at rehearsal bases, but no demos or tracks were recorded together. When my country’s military invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, it was the final nail in the coffin for the country I lived in. I realized that I could no longer plan my life and creativity. I always wanted to leave, but I did not take serious steps to do so, I needed to raise a lot of money for any way to move. War, dictatorship and repressions that became even more systematic showed me that life in the country would only get worse for everyone.”
“Not long before my escape, my friend and I wanted to create a black metal band, we were at the very beginning of the journey, but after the announcement of mobilization in Russia, I decided to flee the country and the project did not take place. I immediately decided to flee right then, in 2 days I created a plan, packed my things and left for Finland.”
The transition wasn’t without sacrifice. He left behind his guitar, his studies, and even a budding black metal project.
“It was not easy, but the plan worked out perfectly. I did not choose Finland specifically, but at that time it was the only option for me and my girlfriend. Only my girlfriend knew about this decision, she agreed to leave with me, and my parents, who did not understand at all why I wanted to leave the country, I think they did not approve of this plan. I also had to leave university in my last year and work in a music instrument store. I got to Finland and am now safe, but my guitar remained in Russia. I lived without a guitar for about a month, later I was able to negotiate with different people to bring my electric guitar from Russia to Finland.”
The move to Finland brought new opportunities. EXISTENTIAL DEAD emerged in 2023, with its debut single “Cold Hands” establishing a foundation for the kind of detailed, emotionally driven work that defines Nikita’s music.
“I didn’t have a plan, I just loved playing and jamming on the guitar,” he recalls. But Finland allowed him to focus, bringing together his influences from metal, synthwave, and even video game soundtracks to form a sound that feels both expansive and personal.
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While Nikita handles most aspects of the project—guitar, keyboards, songwriting—he collaborates with a friend in Russia for drum parts, adding another layer of complexity to his process. The result is music that feels deeply intentional, shaped by both his technical skills and his life experiences.
“Reborn” is the third single from EXISTENTIAL DEAD, following “Cold Hands” and “Unreality”, and it marks a clear evolution in Nikita’s craft. With a full-length album planned for 2025, this track offers a glimpse into a project that continues to push its boundaries. The upcoming album will feature instrumental tracks, each telling its own story, many of which began as ideas in Russia and were completed in Finland—a reflection of the artist’s own journey.
EXISTENTIAL DEAD has brought its music to life in a series of live performances across Finland, presenting a rare and intriguing format as an instrumental one-man metal band. This format, though limiting in some respects, gives Nikita full creative control.
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There’s something undeniably cool about the whole one-man band thing EXISTENTIAL DEAD has going on— it lets Nikita’s vision shine through. But you can’t help but imagine what could happen if this project grew into a full band.
With his knack for writing structured, layered tracks, bringing more people into the fold could open up some crazy creative possibilities. Sure, keeping it solo has its own vibe, but a full lineup might just take things to the next level and add even more depth to what’s already a sound with a proper potential.
NIkita listed his top influential albums that fuel his craft: Architects – All Our Gods Have Abandoned us, Bring me the Horizon- Sempiternal, Perturbator – The Uncany Valley, Deftones – Deftones, God Is an Astronaut – All Is Violent, All Is Bright, Vildhjarta – Måsstaden, Russian Circles – Memorial, Raljarn – Precticing Deadh, and The Angelic Process – Weighing Souls With Sand.
Here’s a full playlist of top tracks from these albums, as selected by Nikita himself.
