The Tak3down Go Through a Transformation on Latest EP Shapeshifter
Arizona-based industrial punk duo The Tak3down have dropped their latest EP Shapeshifters. The album sees the pair experimenting with a newer and darker sound. Much like the name of the EP, the two members of The Tak3down have shown that they take a constantly changing approach to their music.
The Tak3down is made up of Keith Wallace and Joe Kabir. They are the remnants of the metal band Sigma. While in that band, Wallace and Kabir achieved some success releasing four full length albums. Sigma played over 500 shows across the country before breaking up. After the breakup, Wallace and Kabir reformed to create a two-piece band and adopted a sound combining influences across the genres of industrial rock and hardcore punk. As The Tak3down the pair have opened for TwinTribes, Xiu Xiu, Purity Ring, Powerman 5000, Hed PE, and William Control of Aiden.
Shapeshifters is The Tak3down’s first release since the 2020 single, the Arianna Grande cover “December.” The debut EP Sleepless in Bedlam featured vocals alternating from guttural growling and melodic singing over metalcore-style rhythms. The Tak3down continues with the genre morphing on Shapeshifters.
The Tak3down add a goth sound to their ever expanding list of musical styles. The goth vibes on Shapeshifters are moody and atmospheric. This is very much evident on the single, “Before Midnight.” A strong Sisters of Mercy and Joy Division/New Order influence can be heard on “Before Midnight.” This is the type of song that will not only get the goth kids dancing in the clubs but also make the goth elders take to the dancefloor for its post-punk retro sound.
“Before Midnight” is accompanied by a music video that leans into a spooky, horror theme. The visuals of the video match the newer gothic sound of The Tak3down. This newer version of The Tak3down is perhaps the most interesting one to date. While fans of the duo’s earlier more metallic and grittier sound may not follow The Tak3down into this new stage of their musical evolution, new fans will certainly be attracted to the ethereal dance beats and mysterious lyrical and artistic vision of Shapeshifters.
