BRING ME THE HORIZON has launched into 2024 with the release of their latest single, “Kool-Aid”
This marks the band’s initial offering since the unexpected departure of keyboardist/percussionist Jordan Fish at the close of 2023. “Kool-Aid” is a characteristically anthemic blend of pounding metalcore, glitchy electronica, and Oli Sykes‘ signature guttural screams, providing a glimpse of what fans can anticipate from the long-awaited and delayed new album, “Post Human: Nex Gen.”
Earlier in the week, the band provided a glimpse of the impending song release through behind-the-scenes photos, indicating the involvement of producer Dan Lancaster. Known for his collaboration on projects like “That’s the Spirit,” “amo,” and various recent works on “Post Human” as a mixer, Lancaster appears to play a significant role in the group’s latest endeavor.
The credits for the song highlight Oli Sykes as the vocalist, composer, and producer, showcasing his multifaceted contribution. Lee Malia is recognized for his role in backing vocals, guitar, and as a composer. Matthew Nicholls is credited for drums and as a composer, while Matt Kean‘s bass work is acknowledged. The track also features backing vocals from Lucy Landry. Notably, Jordan Fish is absent from the credits, indicating his non-participation in this particular release.
The release comes ahead of BRING ME THE HORIZON‘s imminent UK tour, featuring an impressive lineup of support acts including BAD OMENS, along with British alt-rockers STATIC-DRESS and nu-gen figurehead CASSYETTE.
Last August, BRING ME THE HORIZON announced a delay in the release of the new LP, with vocalist Oli Sykes announcing that “Post Human: NeX Gen” was delayed due to “unforeseen circumstances” that had arisen during the finalization of the EP.
The BRING ME THE HORIZON singer posted the following message: “so I got some bad news… nex gen won’t be coming September 15th. unforeseen circumstances rendered us unable to complete the record to the standard we’d be happy with. I was hoping despite the setbacks we could pull it off in time for you guys but there’s still so many little details I want to be perfect and until it’s nailed I’m just not willing to give it to you guys.
“We can’t give a new date just yet but just know it’s close… & I know you guys have been so patient but you just gotta be a lil more.. we did finish the artwork at least… here’s the final cover by my muse @alissic
“Sorry & thanks for understanding.”
Confirming the departure of Jordan Fish last month, the band expressed gratitude for his musical contributions since 2012, stating, “Bring Me The Horizon has decided to part ways with Jordan Fish. We want to thank him for the musical journey he took with us and wish him luck with everything in the future. Meanwhile, we continue to work on Nex Gen, with brand new music coming very soon. See you on our UK tour in January.”
Fish, acknowledging his 11-year tenure with the band, expressed gratitude and pride for their achievements, stating, “I look forward to hearing what they do next and wish them every success in the future. I’m excited to start this next chapter in my career.”
The eagerly anticipated “Post Human: Nex Gen” is slated for release later this year, and fans can catch BRING ME THE HORIZON on their upcoming UK tour dates alongside BAD OMENS, STATIC-DRESS, and CASSYETTE. You can find the full listing of UK/Ireland tour dates below.
Bring Me The Horizon UK and Ireland tour dates 2024
Jan 09: Cardiff International Arena
Jan 10: Bournemouth International Centre, UK
Jan 12: Birmingham Utility Arena, UK
Jan 13: Manchester AO Arena, UK
Jan 14: Glasgow 0VO Hydro, UK
Jan 16: Newcastle Utilita Arena, UK
Jan 17: Liverpool M&S Bank Arena, UK
Jan 18: Sheffield Utilita Arena, UK
Jan 20: London O2 Arena, UK
Jan 21: London O2 Arena, UK
Jan 23: Dublin 3 Arena, Ireland
Formed in Sheffield, England, in 2004, BRING ME THE HORIZON (BMTH) emerged as a prominent force in the metalcore scene. The founding members included vocalist Oli Sykes, guitarist Lee Malia, drummer Matt Nicholls, bassist Matt Kean, and guitarist Curtis Ward. Their early sound blended aggressive breakdowns with melodic elements.
BMTH‘s debut album, “Count Your Blessings,” released in 2006, showcased their intense and raw style. However, subsequent releases like “Suicide Season” (2008) and “There Is a Hell Believe Me I’ve Seen It. There Is a Heaven Let’s Keep It a Secret” (2010) saw them evolving, incorporating electronic and experimental elements.
Their breakthrough came with “Sempiternal” (2013), a critically acclaimed album that shifted their sound towards a more alternative rock direction and also saw the addition of now former keyboardist Jordan Fish. This trend continued with “That’s the Spirit” (2015), which brought further commercial success and a broader audience.
BMTH‘s music kept evolving with “Amo” (2019), which delved into electronic and pop influences, sparking both praise and controversy among fans. This evolution solidified their status as genre-bending innovators.
Throughout their journey, the band navigated lineup changes, maturing as musicians and pushing boundaries. From metalcore roots to their embrace of alternative rock and electronic elements, BRING ME THE HORIZON remains a key influence in modern rock and metal.