HIROE premieres debut album “Wield” after pandemic, trading isolation for intent

HIROE has unveiled their latest single, “Wield,” marking their post-pandemic debut into the music scene. Their second single, “Dancing at the End of the World” already set the stage for what fans could expect from the Philadelphia-based quintet, highlighting their shimmering guitars and bringing an act of defiant optimism to life. The group aimed to challenge the conventions of post-rock with a fresh, dynamic approach, steering away from predictability.

With the early release of their new album, Wield, which officially drops tomorrow on Pelagic Records, HIROE showcases their adventurous spirit. Led by guitarist-composer Eric Kusanagi, the band first gained acclaim in 2022 with their EP, Wrought, a piece influenced by the uncertainties of the pandemic. However, Wield takes a different angle, exploring the aftermath and the action required to move forward with purpose, influenced by past experiences yet not confined by them.

Producer Mario Quintero joined forces with HIROE once again for the Wield recording sessions. The album introduces new elements like synths and piano, expanding the band’s musical horizons. Kusanagi expresses a desire to showcase a wider range of musical themes, experimenting with interesting effects and collaborating closely with Quintero to achieve this vision.

Wield comprising of six tracks, including “The Calm,” “Tides,” “Collider,” “Dancing at the End of the World,” “The Crush,” and “I’ve Been Waiting for You All My Life,” delves into the emotional terrain post collective trauma. The album navigates introspection, aggression, grief, and love, mirroring the complexities of life’s peaks and valleys. Where Wrought encapsulated the sound of confinement, Wield is more restless and ambitious, seeking to channel residual anxiety into forward progress.

Despite the introduction of synths and piano, HIROE continues to anchor their compositions around weighty guitar figures. Each track on Wield offers a unique listening experience, from the quiet serenity of “The Calm” to the sludge-driven intensity of “Tides,” and the epic scale of “Collider.” The album’s closing tracks, “The Crush” and “I’ve Been Waiting for You All My Life,” encapsulate the contrasting energies of push and release that define the record.

Fans can anticipate the official release of Wield on June 20 in both digital and physical formats. HIROE will be performing at select venues, including a hometown gig at Philadelphia’s Kung Fu Necktie on June 27, before heading to Indianapolis for a Post-Fest pre-show on July 23. For a deeper dive into the album’s themes and inspirations, Kusanagi’s track-by-track commentary provides insight into the Godzilla-scale riffs and motifs that shape the record’s narrative. HIROE’s Wield promises an immersive sonic experience that defies expectations and invites listeners on a transformative musical journey.