For better or worse, the ’80s set the template for metal videos going forward. Sure the videos made little sense, had cheap effects and mostly involved a mixture of fantasy scenery intermingled with performance footage of the band, but back then it was so novel to see a metal video of any description that we didn’t care. So, no surprise that New Zealand death thrashers Bulletbelt—Diego Attinger (vocals/piano), Josh O’Brien (guitar), Tim Mekalick (bass), Steve Francis (drums)—have turned to this well-worn formula for their homage to old-school metal viddies with their latest single, “Arminius.” This one is sword and sorcery all the way, and it kinda works with the band’s clever mixture of death growled verses and anthemic, clean power metal choruses.
The video was produced, directed, filmed and edited by Amber Beaton. Makeup was done by Michele Perry-Madsen, props by Ally Dury and VFX by Amber Beaton. The single is taken from Bulletbelt’s fifth full-length, Burn it Up, which was recorded in April 2022 at the Massey Studio in Wellington. It was co-produced with the band by James Goldsmith (Beastwars, Mermaidens), and is being released on September 22 on LP, CD and digitally via Impaler Records. You can preorder it here. And for fans living in the UK, check out the October tour dates below the video.
Here’s what founder/drummer Steve Francis had to say about the video:
“’Arminius’ was the perfect choice of first single release for our new album Burn It Up. It encompasses everything good about our new direction, with driving verses and a very catchy power/classic metal-feeling chorus. The track also showcases the talents of our new vocalist Diego Attinger, whose addition to the band has given us the ‘weapons at our disposal’ to take the band in an exciting new direction, encompassing much more melody and flavors than before.”
Bulletbelt European Tour dates (supporting Semblant):
Oct 5: DE Düsseldorf @ Pitcher
Oct 6: DE Weinheim @ Café Central
Oct 7: BE Bree @ Ragnarok
Oct 8: NL Den Haag @ Musicon
Oct 10: UK Manchester @ Rebellion
Oct 11: UK London @ Underworld
Oct 12: FR Paris @ Petit Bain
Oct 14: FR Toulouse @ Connexion Live
Oct 15: FR Montpellier @ Secret Place
Oct 16: FR Lyon @ Rock and Eat
Oct 18: FR Pratteln @ Suisse Z7
Oct 20: HU Budapest @ Analog Music Hall
Purchase tickets here.
