July 27, 2022

CHOKE releases a shot of Trap metal with “Crisis Phase” and announces new album

July 27, 2022/ Ken

Nu-metal band CHOKE unleashed the music video for “Crisis Phase”, which serves as a prelude for their long-awaited new album “CHOKE3” coming this fall. The band has been defying the limits of genres with their experimental music, staying true to themselves with every release. “Crisis Phase”, written and composed by vocalist/rapper REON, can be described as the outcome of the great impact of Trap Metal in CHOKE’s style over the years. Although is simpler compared with all previous works, it integrates heavy details resulting in a trap song with explosive energy.

Artists such as Ghostemane and Scarlxrd have been expanding Trap Metal throughout the underground scene and taking it into a new form of extreme music in recent years. Since this style was born out of elements from Nu-Metal and Industrial Metal, it was natural for CHOKE to take influence from it. This time, guitarist KVYA NONO (who has been the composer of all the songs released so far), was only in charge of the arranging and mixing, entrusting all the composing to rapper REON. This is only one of the positive changes in the direction that the band has been taking.

In addition to the music video for “Crisis Phase”, the band announced the release of a new album after three years, “CHOKE3”. This will come out in October 2022 and, like its sold-out predecessor, it’s expected to be in high demand. The band will be celebrating their fifth anniversary with the event “BEEF” on August 5 in Tokyo, featuring a line-up of unique aggressive acts that aligns with CHOKE’s style.

CHOKE has just unveiled the tip of the iceberg of what “CHOKE3” will be like. Stay tuned to see the whole scenario that the new album will portray and be sure to check out the music video for “Crisis Phase” below!

CHOKE Goes Back to Basic with Latest Release!

January 19, 2021/ Ken

Three-member nu-metal band CHOKE have released their new digital single “Hack to the basic” on January 15. While their last single The Human Anthem was an exhilarating ride that featured an aggressive sound with a metalcore approach, CHOKE are back to their nu-metal roots and evoke a groovy and exciting mood with the song “Hack to the basic”. Although CHOKE are more known for intricate compositions with frenetic disjointed rhythms, the band decided to turn back to the basics and embrace the music that has most influenced the members: the nu-metal from the late ‘90s and early 2000s. It’s not only a glance to the past but a manifesto to fueling the scene again.

“Hack to the basic” is filled with bouncing beats that invite the listener to enjoy the groove. A style that completely set this song apart from others in CHOKE’s discography. The track starts with an uncanny intro that flows into a chorus with fry screams. The tune then transitions into verses with a cool vibe and catchy rap flows that features turntable scratches and loud resignations from the bass. In addition to the change of rhythm, another major difference is the simpler guitar style: it has not the typical meticulous riffs that CHOKE usually deliver; but that’s definitively not a bummer, this time is all about the chill!

The creation process of the single dates back to the period when all shows worldwide were cancelled or postponed due to the outbreak of the pandemic. With concerts being the fundamental activity that feeds the soul of musicians, the eagerness to come back on stage also influenced the members to make this song. As said by the band: “It’s a clear statement of our will to perform live again and have fun with this song”.

The singles No problem at all and The Human Anthem, released in 2020, addressed the dangers of mob mentality and the pressure of living up to the expectations of society. Once more, CHOKE instigate the listeners to leave the fear behind and to live by their own standards. This new single starts with the simple premise of enjoying music, but it’s a call to take control of the future as well. A positive message in these disheartening times that encourages to adapt to the circumstances (create a new set of basics) and move forward.

Hack to the basic is already available on popular digital platforms. However, an exclusive edition can be purchased at their official online store. The download includes a re-recorded version of “Stay high”, from their first album CHOKE1, as a bonus track. This digital package consists of hi-re audio files along with instrumentals and a lyrics sheet.

This single is a tribute to the golden age of nu-metal that old and new generations can enjoy. An unexpected change of style that the audience may find questionable. But, after all, true fans know that the band constantly betrays all expectations. One thing is for sure, you never know what CHOKE will bring to the table next!

Be sure to check out music video of “Hack to the basic” below, along with the digital streaming link here!

September 12, 2020

CHOKE Provokes the World with Their Digital Single the HUMAN ANTHEM

September 12, 2020/ Ken

One-of-a-kind Rap Metal/Visual Kei band CHOKE deconstructed genres with their first digital single “No problem at all” released in June. Now they are ready to shock the world with the single “The Human Anthem”, to be distributed online on September 11.

For those who are new to the world of CHOKE, they started activities in the underground scene of Tokyo, Japan in 2017. Their releases are proof of their willingness to experiment to create their very own sound. Vocalist REON, guitarist KVYA NONO, and bassist B5 have been showing that they are not here to follow patterns but creating a new path.

Three months after the release of “No problem at all”, CHOKE is proud to present their second digital single “The Human Anthem”. Yet another defiant work, it also shows the musical growth of the band.“The Human Anthem” is said to be the fastest song ever from CHOKE, going over 250BPM. The thrilling rhythm is built since the very first seconds of the song, featuring rapid skank beats, dense bass lines, and fierce speedy guitar licks. The incorporation of symphonic choirs also gives a greater impetus to the song. This track provokes an instant rush of adrenaline! There were high expectations ahead since the upload of the short trailers in August. Fans will surely be pleased with this innovative piece! “The Human Anthem” will be a blast at live concerts as well!

This is not a hymn to praise humanity; in fact, it points out the misery of not living freely. Trapped in a suffocating status quo, people seem to be forced to kill their spirits and are dragged to live in a certain way. Rather than resign yourself, CHOKE incites you to make a paradigm shift and break the mold. In addition to the song itself, the music video promises to be another thrilling experience. REON‘s portrayal of a psychotic scientist while the rest of the members seem to be their human experiments will give an uneasy feeling to the watcher.

“The Human Anthem” was already released on all digital platforms here but you will not want to miss the limited edition available on their online shop! This edition includes the nihilist song Amyotrophic, plus instrumental tracks, high-quality audio files, and lyrics transcriptions. This new single is an exhilarating ride that you will desire to experience over and over again! Are you ready to break free and join CHOKE‘s riot?

CHOKE 『The Human Anthem』

Special Package edition:
01. Ningen sanka -The Human Anthem-
02. Amyotrophic
03. Ningen sanka -The Human Anthem- (Instrumental)
04. Amyotrophic (Instrumental)