Muhammad Hamdan
The visceral energy of extreme metal collective Cage Fight is once again reverberating through the music scene with the release of their blistering new single, "Pick Your Fighter." This powerful track is not only a testament to the band’s signature aggressive sound but also a vibrant fusion of influences, featuring a commanding guest vocal performance by Julien Truchan, a formidable force from the renowned French death metal outfit Benighted. The single’s accompanying music video, a striking visual departure, plunges viewers into the pixelated world of 1980s and 90s combat video games, offering a unique and engaging narrative that complements the song’s core message of resilience and determination.
"Pick Your Fighter" is more than just a new musical offering; it’s a meticulously crafted statement that weaves together personal homage, thematic depth, and a forward-thinking approach to creative collaboration. Vocalist Rachel Aspe elaborated on the genesis of the song, describing the band’s intention to craft a "fun, sing-along party song with themes of determination and fighting spirit." This desire for an anthemic quality, coupled with a deeply personal tribute, forms the bedrock of the track’s identity.
The lyrical and musical inspiration for "Pick Your Fighter" draws a direct line to a beloved French cultural touchstone: the hit song "Et C’est Parti" by Nadiya. Aspe revealed that the idea to incorporate elements of Nadiya’s motivational anthem was a suggestion from her father, a nod to a French R&B artist who significantly impacted her teenage years. Nadiya, a prominent figure in the French music landscape during the early 2000s, achieved considerable success with her blend of contemporary R&B and pop, and "Et C’est Parti" was a particular standout, celebrated for its uplifting and empowering message. Cage Fight’s clever integration of these motifs into their aggressive metal sound creates an unexpected yet compelling juxtaposition, demonstrating a willingness to explore diverse sonic and thematic territories.
Adding another layer of intensity and sonic brutality to "Pick Your Fighter" is the potent guest vocal contribution from Julien Truchan. Aspe highlighted Truchan’s involvement as the "crowning touch," emphasizing the raw power and distinctiveness he brings to the track. Truchan, a well-established figure in the extreme metal community through his work with Benighted, is known for his formidable vocal range, particularly his signature "pig squeals." The inclusion of these guttural vocalizations on "Pick Your Fighter" amplifies the song’s ferocity, aligning perfectly with Cage Fight’s established sound while also showcasing a deliberate embrace of extreme vocal techniques. Benighted, hailing from France, has been a significant force in the brutal death metal scene since their formation in 1998, consistently delivering albums characterized by relentless aggression and technical prowess. Truchan’s presence on the track signals a powerful cross-pollination of extreme metal scenes.
A Pixelated Arena: The "Pick Your Fighter" Music Video
The visual accompaniment to "Pick Your Fighter" is as innovative as its musical composition. Eschewing traditional music video aesthetics, Cage Fight partnered with Enemy of Boredom Academy (EOB Academy) to produce a clip that mirrors the aesthetic of 8-bit combat video games. This stylistic choice is not merely an aesthetic flourish; it serves as a direct metaphorical extension of the song’s central theme. Just as a player selects their character and navigates the challenges within a video game arena, the song’s lyrics explore the concept of choosing one’s battles and embodying a fighting spirit. The boxing ring imagery, first explored in the band’s earlier "Et C’est Parti" video, is reinterpreted through this digital lens, further solidifying the connection between the song’s message and its visual presentation.
Fostering Future Talent: The EOB Academy Collaboration
The creation of the "Pick Your Fighter" music video holds particular significance due to its collaborative nature with Enemy of Boredom Academy. This organization is dedicated to supporting neurodivergent young people, empowering them to develop professional skills in media production. Cage Fight drummer, Nick Plews, plays a pivotal role within EOB Academy, managing one of their sites. It was Plews who conceived the idea of offering EOB’s Video Game Design students, who were at the time pursuing their Level 3 qualifications, a unique work experience opportunity. This project provided them with invaluable practical experience, allowing them to contribute to a professional music video and add a tangible asset to their portfolios, thereby enhancing their future career prospects in the competitive media industry.
A Drummer’s Vision: Nick Plews’s Reflections
Nick Plews articulated the inspiration behind this unique collaboration, describing the "lightbulb moment" that struck him in the back of their tour van after a gig. His immediate enthusiasm and eagerness to "rally the troops to get this looking awesome" underscore his passion for both the band’s music and the educational mission of EOB Academy. Plews expressed profound personal satisfaction with the project, stating, "On a personal note, this is definitely a special moment for me, and I am beyond impressed with what the students have achieved." His sentiment highlights the dual triumph of the project: delivering a visually striking music video for Cage Fight while simultaneously providing a life-changing opportunity for emerging talent.
Broader Implications and the Future of Metal Collaboration
The release of "Pick Your Fighter" and its innovative music video signifies a growing trend within the music industry where established artists are actively seeking collaborations that extend beyond conventional musical partnerships. The integration of EOB Academy into the video production process not only adds a layer of social responsibility to the project but also demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to creative output. By championing neurodivergent talent and providing them with real-world experience, Cage Fight and EOB Academy are setting a precedent for how the music industry can contribute to skill development and career pathways for marginalized communities.
The fusion of diverse musical influences, from the raw aggression of Benighted to the pop sensibilities of Nadiya, showcases Cage Fight’s adventurous spirit and their willingness to push creative boundaries. This eclecticism, coupled with their commitment to impactful visual storytelling and social consciousness, positions them as a band that is not only delivering powerful music but also making a meaningful contribution to the cultural landscape. The success of "Pick Your Fighter" and its accompanying video is likely to inspire other artists to explore similar avenues of collaboration, further enriching the diverse tapestry of the modern music scene. The continued success of Cage Fight, with their blend of unyielding aggression and thoughtful artistic direction, suggests a bright and impactful future for the band. Their ability to consistently innovate, both musically and visually, ensures their relevance and their capacity to connect with a broad audience seeking both sonic intensity and compelling narrative. The "Pick Your Fighter" single stands as a powerful testament to this multifaceted approach, solidifying Cage Fight’s position as a band at the forefront of contemporary extreme music.
