In October of 2006 Evile signed to Earache Records, label home of well-known metal bands such as Morbid Angel, Napalm Death, Municipal Waste and Carcass.
Each band member has grown up with varying musical influences surrounding them and wanted to start up a band which played some of their favourite 80's thrash songs. founded by old school friends Matt Drake and Ben Carter, and after playing with different guitarists and bass players for a year or so, they asked Matt's brother Ol Drake to join as lead guitarist, and after a short search for a bass player they were contacted by Mike Alexander via an ad in a local guitar shop, and Evile was formed.
They are influenced by bands such as Sepultura, Exodus, Metallica, Annihilator and Slayer to name a few. Despite being un-signed at the time, Evile were hand-picked to headline the second stage of Bloodstock Open Air 06, and also to open the main stage of Manchester's own Damnation Festival.
They released "Enter The Grave" in August 2007, following up with "Infected Nations" in September 2009.
On October 6, 2009, bass player Mike Alexander died from a pulmonary embolism.
The band name is pronounced "eeh-vile", according to vocalist Matt Drake.
Formed in 2004, EVILE are one of the most influential and leading thrash metal bands of the 21st century. Originally from Huddersfield, Evile have transformed the metal scene in the UK and beyond, having released four critically acclaimed albums – Enter the Grave (2007, produced by Flemming Rasmussen), Infected Nations (2009, Russ Russell), Five Serpent’s Teeth (2011, Russ Russell) and Skull (2013, Russ Russell). Throughout their illustrious career, Evile have delivered blistering performances at numerous festivals across the globe (Wacken, Download, Alcatraz, Hellfest, Sonisphere) and toured with the likes of Exodus, Machine Head, Kreator, Overkill, Testament, and Megadeth. In addition, they have won numerous accolades and appeared at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods awards in 2010 alongside Steel Panther, Airbourne, Five Finger Death Punch and Skindred.
In September 2020, seven years since Evile’s last release (Skull, 2013), the band signed to Napalm Records and started recording their fifth album with producer and engineer Chris Clancy, at Andy Sneap’s Backstage Studios. The new record contract and album recording was accompanied by some line-up changes, with Ol Drake taking on fronting the band whilst continuing his role as lead guitarist, and Adam Smith (RipTide) taking over rhythm guitar duties after Matt Drake announced his departure. The thrash metal giants have announced an early 2021 release for their upcoming album, with Ol Drake promising a ‘much more aggressive vein’ to their songs, which he believes is ‘the natural progression for Evile.’
The new incarnation of Evile are now ready to return to the road and deliver their distinctive brand of thrash metal with a new more aggressive twist while maintaining the precise, intricate and insanely fast riffs that Evile are renowned for worldwide.
Metamorphosis
Evile Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Reaching beyond what lives out there
These trials I have to take
I tread the wild lands awake
I've been where others dwell
They know not where I go
Posessed by deeper sense
Eternal life a quest intense
So follow me
Far off the line
I'll lead you all
Into the light
Unending life
Throw yourself to the sun
Where you find you've become
Infinite eternal
Unknown land
Under the earth it sleeps
Tempting for those that it keeps
Inside the void it drives
Rising to open up and take alive
Throw yourself to the sun
Where you find you've become
Infinite eternal
Unknown land
Leave the cold hands of the past
Pressing strong and fast
Free myself from their hold
In warming light unfold
Turn, leave the line
Take the wheel, living
Breathing
Walk where no one stands guard
Fire walk with me
Further through, growing
Being
From roots we touch the sky
The lyrics to Evile's song "Metamorphosis" speak about a journey of introspection, self-discovery, and transformation. The singer searches beyond what is known to find deeper meaning and purpose in life. They have faced challenges and trials but continue to move forward, exploring new terrain and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. The singer invites others to follow them into the light, where they can experience infinite and eternal life.
The lines "Throw yourself to the sun / Where you find you've become / Infinite eternal / Unknown land" suggest that the journey is one of risk, but also of great reward. By leaving behind the past and venturing into the unknown, the singer is able to break free from the constraints that have held them back and embrace new opportunities for growth and change. The lyrics also suggest that this journey is not one that can be taken alone; the singer offers to lead others, implying that they believe in the power of community and shared experience.
Overall, "Metamorphosis" is a song that encourages listeners to embrace a mindset of continual growth and self-exploration. It speaks to the human desire for meaning and purpose, and suggests that by taking risks and venturing beyond our comfort zones, we can discover new aspects of ourselves and create a more fulfilling life.
Line by Line Meaning
I search among the layers
I delve deeper into my own consciousness and explore unknown parts of myself
Reaching beyond what lives out there
I explore beyond what is visible in the physical world
These trials I have to take
I must endure difficult challenges in order to grow
I tread the wild lands awake
I navigate through the unpredictable and untamed parts of life while remaining alert
I've been where others dwell
I have experienced what others have, but I also explore beyond their experiences
They know not where I go
Others are not aware of the depth of my explorations
Possessed by deeper sense
I am driven by a profound intuition or inner knowing
Eternal life a quest intense
I am driven by an intense desire for eternal life and spiritual growth
So follow me
Come with me on this journey
Far off the line
Venture beyond the boundaries of what is known
I'll lead you all
I will guide you all
Into the light
Towards spiritual enlightenment
Unending life
Eternal life
Throw yourself to the sun
Take a risk and immerse yourself in the light
Where you find you've become
Discover that you have transformed into something new
Infinite eternal
Unlimited and everlasting
Unknown land
A place that is mysterious and unfamiliar
Under the earth it sleeps
A powerful force or potential rests within the depths of the earth
Tempting for those that it keeps
Alluring to those who are drawn to it
Inside the void it drives
It motivates and propels from within an empty or unknown space
Rising to open up and take alive
Expanding and awakening to take hold
Leave the cold hands of the past
Let go of past traumas or issues
Pressing strong and fast
Hanging on tightly and moving quickly
Free myself from their hold
Breaking free from the grip of past traumas or issues
In warming light unfold
Experience personal growth and transformation through the power of light
Turn, leave the line
Change course and step away from what is expected or typical
Take the wheel, living, breathing
Take control of your own life, fully present and aware
Walk where no one stands guard
Explore the unknown without fear or self-doubt
Fire walk with me
Embrace and harness the power of your own inner fire
Further through, growing, being
Push forward and continue to grow and develop as a person
From roots we touch the sky
By connecting with and understanding our past, we are able to reach greater heights in our future
Contributed by Daniel B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Javier Di Maio
great guitar harmonies good vocal performance and killer solos.
Jelmer van der Zaag
Metalmorphosis \m/