In the underground music scene where independent releases and meaningful causes intersect, “You Matter: Part III” emerges as a beacon of hope and solidarity. This black metal/screamo/post-metal/post-hardcore compilation, released by the independent Ripcord Records, serves a noble purpose beyond mere auditory pleasure—it raises funds for the suicide prevention charity Papyrus.
The compilation’s essence is captured in the words of the project’s curator: “Suicide is the biggest killer of people between the ages of 18 and 35.” This staggering fact underscores the compilation’s urgency and significance. The project not only raises awareness and support through Papyrus but also offers a musical odyssey across genres, from black metal to grindcore.
Each track in the trilogy of compilations, totaling a massive 101 songs, is available for a donation, underlining the community spirit driving this initiative.
The poignant narrative of “You Matter: Part III” is deepened by the heartfelt contributions of participating artists.
Among them is Vnder A Crvmbling Moon, whose involvement in this project transcends mere participation. They express their honor in being part of such a meaningful compilation, emphasizing the personal resonance the cause holds for them.
“The cause is a great one and close to our hearts. We’ve all gone through tough times and all know people that have gone through tough times. Some have come out the other side and some have not, so being able to shine a light on a subject such as this through music is our way of honouring those we have lost as well as reminding ourselves and others of the power that music holds for us all.”
Vnder A Crvmbling Moon now stands at the threshold of a new chapter, with a fresh album poised for release in 2024.
The band looks forward to returning to live shows, bringing their evolved sound to eager audiences.
Other bands like Helve and Ba’al, also part of the compilation, share their reasons for participating and their current endeavors.
Helve, honored to be included again, highlights their personal connection to mental health issues and the thematic alignment with their music.
“In relation to suicide, we’ve personally experienced the loss of friends and loved ones, so to have the opportunity to help a charity focused on the support of suicide prevention is incredible. I know Papyrus do amazing work, and are a lifeline for so many people so if we can help in any small way we absolutely will do. We implore everyone to check out all of the ‘You Matter’ compilations, primarily to help Papyrus, but to also uncover the wealth of talent on display.” – comments the band.
As they gear up for live performances, including the ‘Masters of The Riff festival’, they also focus on new material and the exhilarating addition of a new vocalist.
“We have another album’s worth of songs ready musically so we’re keen to get vocals ready for these so we can start to gig them and work towards our next release. We’ve been reinvigorated by James joining us and by the response of the album release so we’re definitely keen to keep that momentum up.” – they conclude.
Ba’al, reflecting on their gratitude for being part of the compilation, emphasizes the personal impact of mental health issues and suicide.
“We’re really grateful to be asked to be a part of Ripcord’s You Matter compilation again, to see so many great bands together in one place and raising a significant amount for such a vital cause has been inspiring. Sadly we’re just as experienced as anyone in how devastating mental health issues can be, having fallen victim to them ourselves and losing friends and family to suicide over the years. Though the struggles are ever-present, it’s hopeful to see grassroots awareness being raised and spread so actively in recent years.”
With a final show in 2023 as a tribute to lost friends, they look forward to a significant year ahead, releasing new music that they believe to be their best yet.
“We have one final show in 2023; incidentally it’s a memorial show in tribute to some of the aforementioned friends that we’ve lost to suicide in recent times. Next year will hopefully be a significant one for us – we are currently sitting on A LOT of recorded music that we hope to release over the next 12 months. We think it’s some of the best material we’ve written and hopefully other people like it too! Beyond that, as ever we’ll be getting out and gigging as much as we can and hopefully visiting some new places!” .
“You Matter: Part III” marks a clarion call for awareness, support, and the unifying power of music in addressing the critical issue of suicide prevention. It stands as a testament to the strength found in community, art, and the relentless pursuit of hope in the face of despair.
Support it here.
Check out the bands featured in the “You Matter: Part III” compilation: AETHERIA CONSCIENTIA, ALKERDEEL, ALLOCHIRIA, AN ISOLATED MIND, ANACHRONISM, ANOTHER FIVE MINUTES, AORTES, APOSTLES OF ERIS, ASTAROT, BA’AL, BEENKERVER, BELDAM, BOLT GUN, CADY, CAIRISS, CASSUS, CEL DAMAGE, CHALK HANDS, CHORIA, CLOUD RAT, COSMIC BURIAL, DEADSPACE, DEATH ENGINE, DEHA, DESOLAT, DIPLOID, DIRGE, DISTANCES, DOG TIRED, DWAAL, ELFFOR, ERAI, FALAISE, FALL OF THE ALBATROSS, FAWN LIMBS, FELL RUIN, FRONTIERER, GENDO IKARI, GGU:LL, GILLIAN CARTER, HABAK, HEAVEN’S DAMNATION, HELVE, HORSEWHIP, HYSTERICAL BLINDNESS, IFFERNET, IMHA TARIKAT, INHERITS THE VOID, INTERCOURSE, KRIGSGRAV, LARES, LEFT HAND OF DARKNESS, LETHVM, MARIDIA, MASSA NERA, MAUDIIR, MIREPLANNER, MY HAIR IS A RAT’S NEST, NAXEN, NAEDR, NON SERVIAM, NORDICWINTER, NUMEN, NUR, PARTHOLON, PETRICOR, REVEALED, ROPES INSIDE A HOLE, ROW OF ASHES, SCHATTENFALL, SERENE DARK, SKYFOREST, SOLBRUD, SOOTHSAYER, STEINGRAB, SUFFERING QUOTA, SUNDR, SURYA, SVARTKONST, SWORN, TELEPATHY, TELOS, TERZIJ DE HORDE, THEFALLS, THROANE, TRYGLAV, TYRANNUS, UDANDE, UKĆ, VIOLET COLD, VNDER A CRVMBLING MOON, WALLOWING, WANDERER, WELK, WLOTS, WORLD EATER, WOUNDS OF RECOLLECTION, WREATHE, YOTH IRIA, ZMAR.