UK djent/grime outfit HACKTIVIST have shared a brand new single and music video titled “Bones“, along with the announcement of a brand-new line-up, including guitarist Alex Hek (ex-October Ends) and drummer Stee Cole (protege of Mike Malyan), alongside the already-established vocal powerhouse duo of J Hurley and JJ Olifent.
The band’s first release with their new line-up, “Bones” was produced by Sam Kubrick and George Lever, and sees the genre-crossers venture into their most outwardly aggressive and venomous sound yet. Chock full of the trappings you’d come to expect from HACKTIVIST in huge, bouncy riffs and biting lyricism, “Bones” further showcases the band heavier than ever before, not intent on resting on their laurels and instead pushing the envelope of their sound further.
Discussing the new single, the band states“”Bones” is more than just a track—it’s a statement. A blistering call-out to the industry snakes who exploit the hard work of bands for their own gain. Hacktivist is taking the DIY route, reclaiming our music, our message, and our future. This is the new Hacktivist, and we’re here to stay.”
They continue, “The song also reflects the challenges the band has faced in recent months. But instead of engaging in online drama, we deliver truth through raw, unfiltered creativity. This is our response. This is “Bones.”” The music video for “Bones“, directed by Shaun Hodson & vocalist JJ Olifent, sees the band tackle industry corruption through the lens of a twisted X-Factor style game show, seeking to demonstrate and outwardly criticise the two-faced nature of the music industry, whilst ultimately seeing HACKTIVIST as a unit rising above an industry that’s worked so actively against them.
The news also comes ahead of the band’s upcoming UK tour this April with support from Eschalon and InRetrospect. The band will be hitting Norwich, Milton Keynes and Nottingham from 25-27 April, and you can find the tour poster below, and tickets here. You can also catch the band at Boomtown Festival, Reset Festival, and at a one-off show in Preston this summer. All live dates and ticket links can be found below.
Band Photo Credit: Shaun Hodson/Loki Films
LIVE DATES:
25/04: Norwich, Waterfront Studio (with Eschalon & InRetrospect) (TICKETS)
26/04: Milton Keynes, Craufurd Arms (with Eschalon & InRetrospect) (TICKETS)
27/04: Nottingham, Saltbox (with Eschalon & InRetrospect) (TICKETS)
08/08: South Downs National Park (Boomtown Festival) (TICKETS)
23/08: Weston Super-Mare, Electric Banana (Reset Festival) (TICKETS)
26/09: Preston, The Ferret (with Waterlines) (TICKETS)
BAND LINEUP
*J Hurley: vocals
*JJ Olifent: vocals
*Alex Hek: guitars
*Stee Cole: drums
SOCIAL MEDIA/SPOTIFY