It’s quite unfortunate that this marks the first time we’re showcasing the Irish metal band MikroBrute. Nonetheless, I am really excited to explore their latest single, “Kneel,” which conveys a profound message drawn from personal experiences. Let’s dive in!
The track effortlessly captures your attention with its catchy melodic riffs and precise rhythm. The female vocalist shines with an angelic, emotive, and powerful performance. Absolutely! It’s an impressive blend. According to the press kit, MikroBrute enlisted musicians from Fiverr for the guitar solo, drums, and vocals. I was delighted by how beautifully they came together, showcasing true artistry even among musicians who hadn’t collaborated in person!
Lyrically, this track resonates with everyone we know! Indeed! It encapsulates a journey of inner strength and resilience, highlighting the importance of self-belief over dependence on others. I experienced something similar with my mom three years ago, so I truly understand those feelings. As I listened to the music, reaching the solo, I realised it reflects the human complexity we encounter during our darkest and weakest moments.
The allure of “Kneel” is influenced by several elements. Naturally, the outcome track we listen to is the primary focus. However, I was particularly impressed by how MikroBrute articulated his journey; it is truly commendable.“It all started, as a lot of things do, because I was getting bored with listening to myself. For one reason or another (a lack of talent being a big one), every time I picked up the guitar, I was playing the same kind of thing over and over again. So I tried to come up with something that I wouldn’t usually play, and so, what is now the piano part, appeared as I tried not to put myself into a musically induced coma.” Later, he elaborated on more technical aspects, such as the timing of the beat. “Around the same time, I had an idea for a melody and lyric that I thought would be delivered with a kind of Kurt Cobain-esque drawl. The first demo was in 4/4 with a kind of 3/4 phrase over the top of it – not because I intended that to be the case, but because I didn’t know how to count the riff I’d written and instead went with the age-old adage, everything’s in 4/4 if you try hard enough. After I realised it was in 3/4 and heard a female vocalist sing the melody, it turned into what it is today.”
In my opinion, MikroBrute‘s “Kneel” is one of my favourite melodic metal tracks of this year. As we prepare to bid farewell to 2025, I look forward to seeing more releases from MikroBrute in the coming year.
