Atlanta has a reputation for being all about R&B and hip-hop. You hear about rappers coming from the streets in countless songs, fueling our city’s reputation for being a playground for artists and hustlers alike. However, the hustle is real for any musician trying to make their mark on the world, not just those that get the spotlight. Recently a group of metal minstrels came together with roots at the Atlanta Institute of Music to try and change the soundscape of our city. Starting with two drummers and a dream, the group eventually evolved into a five-piece progressive metal troupe calling themselves Spirit Healer.

Consisting of Taylor Ryan (drums), Shane Driscoll (guitar), Evan Driscoll (bass), Stephen Backus (guitar), JT O’Neill(vocals), Spirit Healer bring with them a backstory that adds depth to their artistry. Their debut album, Hollowform, takes place in a world called the Surface where religious totalitarianism is the one and only path of life. The story focuses on a protagonist named Sym who struggles to maintain his life after his son fades into death. Unbeknownst to Sym, he becomes the pawn of a goddess that seeks to replace the current dominate god of the Surface and loses everything in his fight to keep his sanity.

As a teaser for Hollowform, Spirit Healer has graciously allowed us to debut their first single and music video “Incredible Views.” This track has the same feel as many songs by Tool but with lighter melodies and more subtle vocals. From the intro riff, the song sweeps listeners into a trance, transporting them into a blurred view of the Surface. The driving drum and bass have that solid headbanging vibe with the added guitar licks building upon the vision of this new world. And when the vocals come in, the Surface in its entirety finally comes into focus.

The video was created by the band itself, with a hand from their friend Cole Chambers. I can get behind the vision of Spirit Healer as they are intentional in their artistry, creating moments in all facets of their music. This group doesn’t just want to create music but immerse the listener in a whole new reality, a feat many would balk at as creating cohesive music is an arduous task in and of itself.

Watch/listen above.

Hollowform is out June 28.

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