EXIST has today shared a new guitar play along, performed by guitarist / vocalist Max Phelps, for Hijacking the Zeitgeist. Hijacking the Zeitgeist is the title track from the US progressive metal band’s fourth full-length, with EXIST sharing the play along ahead of West Coast tour dates in February and March with labelmates Four Stroke Baron – full details below.
WATCH THE PLAY ALONG FOR HIJACKING THE ZEITGEIST BELOW.
Order Hijacking the Zeitgeist here.
Speaking on the play through and tour dates, EXIST‘s Max Phelps comments: “Hijacking The Zeitgeist is one of the most difficult, if not THE most difficult songs to perform on EXIST‘s new album. It’s a real rollercoaster, tons of fun to play. Shout out to Maru Martinez for doing an excellent job filming this performance!”
Of their West Coast tour dates, Phelps adds: “We are very excited to hit the road with our brothers in Four Stroke Baron. I’ve personally been a huge fan of FSB for several years now and really admire their unique identity and strong, engaging approach to songwriting. This will also be EXIST‘s first time on the west coast in six years and since our previous two album releases!”
Similarly to 2020’s Egoiista, EXIST took on a keen co-production role for Hijacking the Zeitgeist as recording sessions commenced in early 2022, with the band emphasising a collaborative approach to the songs arrangements. Drum co-production was handled by John Douglass (Mr. Bungle, Entheos and The Contortionist) before vocals were handled by Mike Semesky in the winter.
Hijacking the Zeitgeist’s sonic heft isn’t without its diaphanous counterpoints, as Phelps and new addition Charles Eron (guitar and synths) craft deceptively complex interplay on album high points in Thief of Joy (featuring Sanjay Kumar of Inferi and Wormhole), Blue Light Infinite and soaring closer Window to the All. EXIST’s sonorous sonic landscape is bolstered by immersive rhythmic lock-ins between Alex Weber (bass and vocals) and Brody Smith (drums), that shine in Anup Sastry’s mix and Kris Crummett’s mastering work.
At the core of Hijacking the Zeitgeist lies a multifaceted exploration of algorithmic rabbit holes, conspiratorial paranoia, and the universal traits that lie within humanity – these cautionary tales are tied together in striking detail with album art by Sebastian Jerke. EXIST treats both the allure and perils of both digital mazes and the real world, with equal parts wide eyed awe and horror
Upcoming EXIST tour dates:
Hijacking the Data West Coast tour w/ Four Stroke Baron
February 21 – Dante’s – Portland, OR
February 22 – The Wise Hall – Vancouver, BC
February 23 – Funhouse – Seattle, WA
February 25 – Harlow’s – Sacramento, CA
February 26 – Virginia Street Brewhouse – Reno, NV
February 27 – Ivy Room – Albany, CA
February 28 – The Wayfarer – Costa Mesa, CA
March 01 – Brick by Brick – San Diego, CA
March 02 – Sinwave – Las Vegas, NV