In the same way that 24’s fictional anti-terrorist superhero and protector of the Great Fortress of America, Jack Bauer (ironically not only played by a Canadian, but a Canadian who’s grandfather was chiefly responsible for universal health care) would invariably get shot — on those rare occasions of a lapse in his unassailable bullet-dodging skills — in the shoulder such that no arteries would ever get clipped and his rotator cuff never sustained any damage, post-apocalyptic film protagonists always seem to get plinked in the thigh to the tune of a minor flesh wound after which a makeshift tourniquet would invariably save the day as well as have limping become a non-issue. If you’re asking yourself what any of this has to do with a French-Canadian symphonic death metal band, well, we’re gonna tell ya!
Formed an amazing 25 years ago (amazing because they’ve been around 25 years and we’ve never heard of them!) in the eastern Québec city of Rimouski, Vortex recently released their seventh album, The Future Remains in Oblivion. Produced by guitarist Dany Lévesque and issued this past June, The Future Remains in Oblivion is the collision zone between powdered wig classical and battle jacketed death metal that should hold appeal for fans of Fleshgod Apocalypse, Septicflesh and those who like their Suffocation mixed with Dimmu Borgir. Pulled from the latest album is the new single/video for the title track, which we’re premiering today. The album itself is a concept record that chronicles the collapse of polite society following an catastrophic environmental event and the video, which was directed by fellow Québecer and The Agonist bassist, Chris Kells, plays to that theme as the idea of family man and provider gets redefined and thrown into upheaval, even if post-apocalyptic action movie tropes don’t.
When asked, the band had this to say: “Our new album The Future Remains in Oblivion is about the struggle of surviving in the aftermath of society’s downfall. Our apologies for the violence, but the protagonist of the album’s title track music video lives in a world where only the strongest survive. All band members were under stress regarding the shooting because we had to do some acting and many action scenes, but it turned out great and we had so much fun doing it. Thanks to Chris Kells and his team for their work and creativity.”
Further info, ordering, tour dates and all that jazz below.
