Oxford duo MESKER are back with a vengeance, delivering “Not Myself,” a crushing melodic hardcore anthem that pairs blistering energy with a gut-punch of introspection. You’ll love it fromt the very first listen.
This track marks the first single off their upcoming album, a project that’s been two years in the making and promises to expand the melancholic yet high-octane style they’ve been honing since their debut EP Casual Freedoms. The single is a clear step forward, blending raw vulnerability with tightly crafted aggression.
“Not Myself” dives deep into the tension of self-perception and the masks we wear to navigate the world. Ross’s piercing lyrics—“Living inside of stolen skin, I am not myself”—lay bare the struggle of pretending to be something you’re not, whether to impress or shield yourself from judgment. The song’s spiraling riffs and relentless drumwork from Michael mirror this internal chaos, dragging you into a vortex of sound and self-reflection.
Lyrically, MESKER hit hard, stripping away romanticized notions of identity and forcing us to confront uncomfortable truths: “Weak minds always need a reason for the sun to rise and the rain to fall.” The song doesn’t offer resolution but instead revels in the weight of its themes, reminding listeners that sometimes survival means living with imperfection, not erasing it.
With the full album slated for release in April 2025, MESKER are set to take their unique brand of melodic hardcore to new heights. They’ve been relentlessly refining their sound over the last 18 months, and “Not Myself” is just the first taste of what’s to come. Can’t wait to hear more.
