Artifact to launch second EP 'Insurrection'

Local progressive metal band Artifact are set for a launch party for their second EP and a new music video.

Artifact’s second EP, Insurrection and music video for Mass Psychosis, will be launched at the Curious Rabbit tomorrow (3 June).

The first single on the EP, Collapse, was released three weeks ago, and the EP itself is due for release on 7 June.

Vocalist Rebecca Horseman said she was excited about the launch, and it was the first EP release she had been part of.

“I love the EP because we’ve made a bottom-up approach to the first two songs and a top-down approach to the other two,” she said. “The juxtaposition between the two songs is interesting.”

The vocalist said fans could expect a heavier EP than the first one.

“Our lyrics are pretty conscious but also relatable for everyone … it has to do with frustrations within and not within our controls on a global scale.

“And within our internal experience, it’s about not letting our subconscious take the reins.”

Bass player Nathan French said Insurrection was a four-track EP that came together “quite naturally”.

“The first two songs, Collapse and Mass Psychosis, we had played around with them, performed them a little bit and let the songs grow naturally throughout the performance,” Nathan said.

“We worked out what may or may not be missing and then developed the songs naturally through that way.

“The last two songs on the EP, Nadir and Nascent, came together quite quickly,” he said.

The bass player said guitarist Hayden Rapley had a massive influence on the songwriting for Nadir and Nascent.

Nathan, the ‘back scream’ vocalist, said Hayden had pushed the band members as musicians to elevate their craft.

“He (Hayden) came to us and said, ‘I have these insane riffs. What can you guys do with it?'” he said.

“Adding Hayden to the band has been quite good for us as musicians and as a band, and hopefully, you’ll be able to hear it specifically through those two tracks.”

Hayden felt the new EP was a perfect snapshot of where the band members were in life at the exact time they created the songs.

“It’s a beautiful reminder of how far we’ve come,” he said.

Harvey said Nascent was his favourite song as he enjoyed the compositions, and it was the most fun song for him to play live.

Lead vocalist Michael Veneris said the Insurrection EP served as a warning.

“It’s inspired by recent and historical; it thematically discusses states of mass hysteria, fear, and despair leading to the collapse of entire civilisations,” Michael said.

“There are also references to Jungian psychology and esoteric philosophy.

“A main theme is that one must first acknowledge their own shadow and go against the grain to prevent us all from being doomed by collectivism,” he said.

Harvey Saxton said Insurrection was a timeless example of the indoctrination of the masses through propaganda in media, referencing a modern take based on current world events.

“I believe it’s a compelling EP that, when given enough attention to the finer details, can incite a willingness to grow and reflect both as individuals and as a community,” he said.

The band members shared their favourite songs from the EP; for Hayden and Michael, it was Mass Psychosis.

Nathan said that before playing songs live, he would have said his favourite song was Collapse.

“Nascent is just a fun song to play live and the first track with a proper guitar solo.”

Rebecca said she enjoyed Mass Psychosis while the band filmed the music video.

“We got to sing the song the whole day. It has such a good message, but I’m having a lot of fun with Nascent, and it’s the song I pushed my vocal range.”

The band was formed in 2021 and released their first EP later that year.

Artifact promises to make good with fans as soon as possible after their last Wagga set was cut short.

Artifact’s music is available to stream on most popular streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.