DEFYING DECAY, the Bangkok-based alternative metal sextet, have today self-released their long-awaited new album, “Synthetic Sympathy”. A fourteen-track record that spans continents in its creation and ambition, “Synthetic Sympathy” charts a course through systemic corruption, fractured identity, and the relentless human instinct to survive - set against a sonic backdrop that draws on orchestral arrangement, metalcore, hip-hop, and electronica without apology.
“Synthetic Sympathy” was recorded across Bangkok, London’s Abbey Road Studios, Los Angeles’ NRG Studios, and Sydney, and features a full Thai orchestra alongside an international roster of collaborators. It was mixed by Zakk Cervini (Bring Me the Horizon, Sum 41, Waterparks) at MDDN Studio in Los Angeles, with mastering by the legendary Ted Jensen (Metallica, Tool, Linkin Park) at Sterling Sound in Nashville. Executive production across the record is handled by Jay P. Euarchukiati, the band’s vocalist, guitarist, and primary architect.
Speaking about the album, Euarchukiati shares: “Synthetic Sympathy is the most honest thing we've ever made. It's about the world we're actually living in - the harshness and the softness, the chaos and the beauty that somehow exist side by side. We wanted to make something that felt real, something loud, but also something that connects beyond the noise. After 15 years, this album is us finally saying exactly what we feel - no filter”.
To celebrate the release of the record, the sextet have shared their brand new single “RX Regicide”, featuring the unmistakable vocals of Kellin Quinn (Sleeping With Sirens). “RX Regicide” showcases a sophisticated evolution in the band’s sound. Combining heavy, rhythmic riffs with atmospheric electronics, the track creates a frantic yet melodic backdrop for a vocal duel between the band’s signature grit and Quinn’s soaring, emotive range.
“Working with Kellin was a natural fit for the direction we’re taking” says the band “We wanted to create something that felt both nostalgic and futuristic - a track that hits hard but stays with you long after the final note”.
In its architecture, “Synthetic Sympathy” refuses easy categorisation. The record opens with “The Requiem: A Bipolar Nightmare”, an orchestral overture that establishes the album’s thematic terrain from its first notes - a full Thai string ensemble navigating something between grief and fury. What follows is fifteen tracks that move from the politically charged urgency of “Built to Fall” and “The Law 112: Secrecy and Renegades” - the latter a broadside against censorship and the systems that profit from silence - through to the raw introspection of “Last Reply”, the cathartic sprawl of “Hide & Seek”, and the slow unravelling of “Inside These Lies”.
The artwork, created by 3D artist Sujin Kim and laid out by Daniel Barkle, renders a figure encased in chains - hands reaching upward from below, suspended in a deep teal void - an image that mirrors the album’s central tension between entrapment and the instinct to break free. The spine of the record carries the album’s title in acid neon - a jolt of colour against the darkness that defines the rest of the visual.
The production story behind “Synthetic Sympathy” is itself a statement. Guitar and bass tracks were laid down at Studio 28 Bangkok. Key vocal sessions took place at Abbey Road Studio 3 in London - the same room that has hosted recordings by artists from Pink Floyd to Radiohead. Drums for multiple tracks were recorded at Abbey Road Studio 2. Orchestra sessions took place at Studio 28 Bangkok, performed by a full ensemble of Thai musicians spanning strings, brass, woodwind, timpani, and percussion, with arrangements by Nath Khamnark. The record was further shaped by mixing engineer Neal Avron, who handled “RX Regicide” and “Hide & Seek”, and Matt Hyde, who mixed “Last Reply” and the vinyl version of 'Meaningless!'.
“Synthetic Sympathy” is distributed internationally via ONErpm Thailand. Physical formats include vinyl, and the album is available on all major digital streaming platforms now. Stream and save “Synthetic Sympathy”
here, and order a physical copy
here.
Tracklisting:
01 The Requiem: A Bipolar Nightmare
02 Built To Fall
03 The Law 112: Secrets and Renegades
04 RX Regicide (ft. Kellin Quinn)
05 Pale
06 21 Stitches
07 Clouds (ft. Violette Wautier)
08 Meaningless!
09 Prelude: A Peaceful Sleep
10 Debris
11 Last Reply
12 Inside These Lies
13 System of Sinners
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