The Maryland-based post-industrial band Anoxia released their latest single, “Earthbound,” in early March. The track is from the band’s forthcoming record, Relinquish the Quiet, which will be out later this year.

I shared a new music alert when the song dropped, but now I want to take a deeper look into this song that is a culmination of the complexities of being human and waging an emotional battle not only with others, but with ourselves, for does anyone berate our weaknesses more than we do?

"Tell me do you want to be here?
I feel like giving up again
Self-inflicting wounds are binding
Martyr, am I broken?
So what if I fail again?
Seeking truth before the fall and
You'll just leave me here to drown
Cursed, Earthbound..."

“Earthbound” expresses the ups and downs of human emotion, the sentiment of the lyrics echoed in the strong, heartfelt vocals of frontwoman Chrystal James. With an appropriately simple, haunting melody offering the background to the verses, and a harder element building in the crescendo of the chorus, the music adds that inexplicable extra something that carries the words straight to the heart.

The song reaches its catharsis at the bridge, with harsh vocals provided by Carbonstone frontman Corey James. As the pair delivers a back and forth, Chrystal’s almost ethereal “Just fade away” echoed by Corey’s unholy growls, there is a sense of being frozen in the moment. The final chorus is given to us with their voices intertwined – a balance that has been honed to perfection after several guest appearances on each other’s work – and it is as if a held breath is being released, though the question still remains: “Tell me, do you want to be here?” 

While Anoxia poses the question, this is something that the listener must answer for him- or herself. It is a struggle we have all endured, and for me, “Earthbound” is an invitation to truly look at oneself. 

The official video for “Earthbound” is a visually stunning reflection of the track itself, beautifully and darkly enchanting. You can check it out here:

You can find Anoxia on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and all of your favorite streaming services. Be sure to follow them for updates on the release of Relinquish the Quiet. Judging by “Earthbound,” the album will be brilliant!