Brisbane prog metal quintet Citadel are a hidden gem among the local heavy scene. Since emerging with “Sundered Souls” in 2022 and releasing their debut album DECOMPOSE later that year, the lads have played a number of shows and shared follow-up single “Nightmare Frontier” in 2023.
Today, Citadel have returned with the new single “Old Blood” and its accompanying video more than a year after their previous release. But don’t let the time between drops (or the title) fool you, for the band are back bigger and better with their latest offering.
It features all their signature sounds with a unique twist, navigating new sonic territory with familiar arrangements. Delicate keys and industrial programming introduce the track before djent chugs and busy drums welcome the soaring vocal and sweet falsettos of the huge hook.
A glassy synth dances about the second verse and a tasty guitar solo ushers in the fervent bridge (I’d call it a breakdown, but it’s the fastest part of the song). Complete with searing screams and glitchy electronics, it closes with a symphonic final chorus that beckons repeat listening.
We caught up with vocalist Russell Miller and guitarist Nat Patterson to chat about the new single and video, what they’re currently playing and watching, and much more.
Congrats on the new single! How does it feel to have new music out?
Russell: Like a breath of fresh air. It’s been such an arduous journey to get here with life getting in the way in really creative ways. We’re excited for everyone to FINALLY hear what we’ve been working on and to show where we’re going sonically.
Nat: It definitely feels great to finally show off some of the work we’ve been slowly crafting over the last 18 months. We’re super proud of what’s to come and can’t wait to see what people think!
Your last release was in May last year with the haunting single “Nightmare Frontier”. Have you been busy behind the scenes since then?
Russell: Yeah absolutely. We went straight into the studio after Nightmare Frontier was released, and we’ve got a few things hidden up our sleeves. Everyone will get to see what we’ve been up to soon, and we’re chomping at the bit to get it out there.
There’s an interesting dynamic throughout “Old Blood” with a blend of live and electronic elements. How did it all come together?
Nat: It all started with the looping drone part that kicks the song off. I was messing around with reversing different sounds and looping them, and stumbled across a piano chord that sounded nice. From there I just worked the e-drums and synth line around that to create a foundation for Russell’s vocals.
I wanted the chorus to hit hard and break the parts of the song up sharply, so we went with the big stabs in the first chorus to amp it up before going full out into the second chorus, solo, and breakdown. Liam (guitar) and I worked pretty meticulously to balance all the live and electronic parts, and we’re stoked with how it turned out.
It seems to have a message of regrowth and persistence while recognising that you are your own worst enemy. What inspired the poignant lyrics?
Russell: I’m a bit of both a pessimist and an optimist at times. Naturally, I lean in a negative direction and I’m always asking “Why” about everything. So when I start snowballing negatively, I point at myself and think about why I am the way I am. People are products of their environment, and growing up in different situations mould children.
I wrote Old Blood with this in mind, considering that my blood represents my family and heritage as well as my chemical makeup. So if I were to be rid of that blood, would I be better off? Would I be healthier mentally and emotionally? I always like to make sure my songs don’t sound completely hopeless though, so I wanted to keep SOME semblance of balance.
The accompanying video features a lot of candles which may suggest a light and warmth that could flicker and fade with time. Was this intentional, and what does it mean to you?
Russell: We definitely went for a warmer aesthetic, and there’s a few analogues you could run with. These thoughts and feelings leave as quickly as they arrive, so we thought they would be very fitting. We also thought the lyrical content would contrast nicely with some warm colours, and our friend Clare is such an incredible actress that she nailed the atmosphere at all times. On top of that, we wanted the warmth to be more inviting, hoping that it allowed the viewer to engage a little more comfortably.
Your last show was supporting The Last Martyr at Tomcat with Revoid and Torizon. How was that, and are there any more shows in the pipeline?
Nat: The show with The Last Martyr was a great time. They’re all awesome people and it was a solid lineup and engaged crowd. Tomcat is a gem of a venue and stands out, considering Brisbane has lost so many recently.
Russell: We’ve got some things planned for next year, and we’re looking at our options for the remainder of 2024. We’re VERY keen to get interstate ASAP, so that’s been a big focus.
With so many great bands in the local scene, who are you jamming at the moment?
Russell: The new Headwreck BANGS, and I’ve been checking out Revoid and Bad Party now that they share a vocalist. Also, Heartline from Adelaide don’t miss. Inertia and Reliqa have both broken out of “local scene” status, but they’ll always be local to my heart.
Nat: I’ve got to give a shoutout to my (ex)boyfriends in Wildheart, who are sitting on some absolute belters. New frontman and shuffled lineup has brought huge vibes and it’s definitely going to turn heads.
It’s clear that you’re all influenced by video games and anime. What’s the best game out right now and which shows are you watching?
Russell: Best game out? Probably Baldur’s Gate 3. I’ve been consistently jamming that ever since it came out with about 7 different playthroughs. I’m also running through some Arena Breakout, Civ 6, Assassins Creed Origins and Celeste atm, depending on how I’m feeling.
Also, I’ve been watching Frieren and anything from Dropout TV.
Nat: The most recent “best game out” I’ve dabbled with is Astro Bot, and I am also jamming multiple Baldur’s Gate 3 runs, Days Gone, and scratching my ADHD itch on Civilization VI (the hype for Civ VII is real). I’ve got my eyes on Black Myth Wukong as well, but am potentially saving that for Christmas time off to really sink my teeth into it.
Anime wise, I’ve recently jumped into Vinland Saga, which is a real heater. I’ve been meaning to finish off both Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen as well…
“Old Blood” is available everywhere today. Add it to your playlist and share it around!
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