Unhappily Ever Now, the Pennsylvania-based industrial/progressive-rock project founded by Cleopatra Records (Green Jellö) songwriter Stephen Watson with songwriter and. vocalist Maria V, announces their latest offering: “Pleading (The Haunting of Scars) [Stabbing Westward Remix].” Beneath the discernible influences of groups such as Stabbing Westward, TOOL, and A Perfect Circle, the duo’s compositions unfold with an intricacy evoking that of a maze and an ambition rivaling celestial aspirations.
In the series of the “Pleading” renditions this year, the Stabbing Westward Remix takes its place as the climactic third release, succeeding the Rabbit Junk Remix that debuted on July 7th. Collaborating with Walter Flakus of Stabbing Westward, the track strikes a delicate balance reminiscent of an industrial rock ballet, pulsating with fervent synthesizers and robust bass, all while accentuating the commanding guitar strains and vocal harmonies of its precursor.
“As someone who spent their formative years listening to Stabbing Westward, this single really meant a lot to me on many levels,” Stephen says. “Collaborating with other artists has become an integral part of this project and hearing their take on the music I’ve written has been humbling. Being so heavily influenced by Walter’s work, to have him add his unique touch and creativity to this song not only left me humbled, but inspired me to grow more as an artist.”
In their continual artistic exploration, Unhappily Ever Now entwines in ceaseless remix collaborations with kindred spirits whose musical terrains converge. This remix leans distinctly towards a grunge aesthetic, with its cool synthesizer notes balancing the unfiltered industrial rhythms and casting Maria V’s exquisite harmonies in a fresh, illuminating light.
Watch the visualizer below:
Unhappily Ever Now’s style morphs and evolves with each collaboration, absorbing the myriad hues of diverse musical traditions and in turn, reflecting a kaleidoscopic array of tones to the broader public. Such an approach permits them to touch the very limits of artistic convention. In this fluid progression, the band crystallizes their artistic intent.
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Unhappily Ever Now just wrapped up their 2023 releases with a cover of A Perfect Circle’s “Orestes” as part of the Sacred Geometry (A Tribute to A Perfect Circle) album by Coitus Interruptus Productions, released on September 22nd via Bandcamp.
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