Starks Daemon, one of Africa’s leading figures in the rock/metal scene, has just released his debut EP Unchain along with a gripping video for the track Too Deep. The EP, available online since March 3, 2024, quickly topped the African Metal charts, holding the number one spot for four weeks.
Hailing from Botswana, Starks Daemon has been the frontman of international metal band Wrust for over 23 years, sharing the stage with legends such as Sepultura, Carcass, and Entombed. Now, Starks is taking his career in a new direction, focusing on his solo brand and unleashing his creative vision on a global scale.
The EP’s inspiration comes from the profound events surrounding the pandemic, highlighting humanity’s vulnerabilities, and questioning the status quo. Starks explains, “The album encourages listeners to unchain their minds, question authority, and search for their own truths beyond institutional narratives.” His lyrics challenge societal norms, touching on themes from fear and manipulation to genetically modified food concerns.
The writing process began with Starks crafting guitar riffs and vocal melodies and jamming with the drummer to perfect the groove. His vision for the EP was to create anthemic, sing-along tracks that resonate in large venues. Recording the album was both challenging and rewarding, as Starks pushed himself beyond his growling vocal comfort zone, blending melodic screams with heavy guitar riffs.
Unchain is a testament to Starks’ evolution as an artist, featuring Leroy’s precise drumming, Menz’s refreshing bass lines, and Jimmy’s keen ear for engineering. Starks sums up the EP in five words: “This is badass music, period.”
Unchain is available now on all digital platforms including Spotify Apple Music and Deezer
The video for Too Deep complements the intense, emotive track, offering a visual journey through Starks’ themes of introspection and raw power.
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