Long-running Long Island–based slam outfit Internal Bleeding is probably one of the early purveyors of the genre, which mixes death-metal guitars, hardcore breakdowns and hip-hop–inflected vocals to create a genre that is focused entirely on the groove. Their latest single "Focus" — off the band's new LP Corrupting Influence, out on October 19th and available for pre-order here — is a picture-perfect example of the band in action. A blast opens up the proceedings before things slow into a mid-paced mosh part featuring death-metal roars delivered in a rap-style cadence, followed by a series of stitched-together groove-metal sections all built solely for the pit. Lyrically, "Focus" is all about positivity and owning up to your potential as a person, but that brutal swing says something else altogether: Bring the pain.
Internal Bleeding's vocalist Joe Marchese says of the song, "Focus' is about going out there and killing it every single day. It's about digging deep and finding huge reservoirs of strength you never knew you had." Guitarist Chris Pervelis seconds Marchese's message, adding that there is no central narrative to the video other than the lyrics' theme. "We are not much of a 'concept video' band," he says. "We'd much rather shoot something that gives fans a better understanding of who we are, and how passionate we are about the music write."
The band is set to hit the road next month (October) — see their North American itinerary below.
Internal Bleeding tour dates:
10/12 San Diego, Ca @ Brick By Brick
10/13 Pomona, Ca @ The Glasshouse
10/14 Mesa, Az @ Club Red
10/16 Dallas, Tx @ Gas Monkey Bar and Grill
10/17 Austin, Tx @ Come and Take It Live!
10/18 Laredo, Tx @ Ethos Bar
10/19 Houston, Tx @ Acadia Bar
10/20 New Orleans, La @ The Howlin' Wolf
10/21 Orlando, Fl @ The Haven
10/24 Virginia Beach, Va @ Shakas
10/25 Clifton, Nj @ Dingbatz
10/26 Brooklyn, Ny @ The Kingsland
10/27 Manchester, Nh @ Bungalow
10/28 Quebec, QC @ Salle Multi
10/30 Montreal, QC @ Les Foufounes Electriques
10/31 Ottawa, ON @ Mavericks
11/1 Detroit, Mi @ Harpos
11/3 Chicago, Il @ Reggies
11/4 Mirriam, Ks @ Aftershock
11/6 Denver, Co @ The Roxy Theater
11/7 Salt Lake City, Ut @ Metro Music Hall
11/9 Seattle, Wa @ Club Sur Rocks
11/11 Watsonville, Ca @ Appleton Bar and Grill
