Caught between primal urges and aspirations
Israeli underground metal band Submasq releases new album Spirit Animal, a concept album about trauma, bipolar disorder, and war. Vocalist Davidavi 'Vidi' Dolev discusses the band's eclectic style, influences, and post-October 7 challenges in the music industry.
Israeli underground metal band Submasq has released a new album, Spirit Animal, marking a new peak for the band and its vocalist, Davidavi 'Vidi' Dolev. The album is a concept album about a conflicted person having a conversation with himself, caught between primal urges and aspirations. Dolev said it deals with trauma, bipolar disorder, collective memory, and war. The band, originally called Subterranean Masquerade, was formed in 1997 by guitarist Tomer Pink in Salt Lake City and now consists of Israeli musicians. Dolev, also the vocalist for Seventh Station, initially performed in choirs and was interested in hip-hop before moving into metal. He teaches alternative voice development using Complete Vocal Technique. The band's music oscillates between 70s-style progressive rock and death metal growls, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of its members. Spirit Animal features a solo by world-renowned guitarist Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal. Dolev acknowledged that being an Israeli band has brought difficulties in the music business since October 7, with some European contacts cutting ties and labels hesitant to work with them. However, Willowtip Records in Philadelphia signed the band, and they plan a European tour starting in January.