Reject The Sickness is a five-piece band from Belgium that has been shredding metal since 2010 with a lyrical concept that deals with outcast youth. Abuse, neglect, self-harm and how to dealing with it are the main themes. The lyrics are fictional, although Guy, the singer, can draw inspiration from his job as a social worker. It's a walk through the darkest parts of the human psyche. Musically, progressive and ambient elements are woven into a mixture of thrash and death metal that is melodic without losing aggression.
Videoclip Background.
The videoclip holds significant emotional value for our vocalist, Guy, as it was shot in the house where he spent his childhood with his grandparents. After their passing, the house was sold. The filming took place on the last day before they had to vacate the property. The video was produced by Flama Films and Abraham Escobedo, who also filmed Guy's journey for a short documentary as part of his master's program at the Art School of Brussels. This documentary, which captures the final days and passing of Guy's grandmother, is currently being considered for various film festivals.
The music video is a visual accompaniment to the song ‘Heaven Turns Black MMXXII’, from the album ‘Chains Of Solitude MMXXII’. Initially released in 2015 by Massive Music from Denmark. The album was re-recorded and re-released in 2022 by the band.
The lyrics and videoclip tell a poignant story of a young girl who has been victimized by an obsessed individual. She yearns to retaliate, her thoughts consumed by revenge. However, this struggle exists solely within her mind. The house in the videoclip symbolizes her mind, where she is both the prisoner and the demon. Inside her head, thoughts of revenge and despair echo off the walls. Despite its darkness, it's also portrayed as a comforting place where she is alone with her thoughts. In the end, she gazes at the world through the door, encountering an older, wiser, stronger yet fragile version of herself. The adage holds true: what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
Guy: As a social worker dealing with such situations, I encounter numerous children and teenagers grappling with similar emotions. They yearn to retaliate and grow stronger, but ultimately, their greatest battle is internal. As a society, we bear a significant responsibility. We cannot merely be spectators; we must act, assist, and speak out!
Reject The Sickness
Credits:
Video: Abraham Escobedo Salas (Flama Films)
Special fx: Motus Insaniam
Actresses: Maëlle Vercruysse & Manon Van Mullem
Concept: Guy Vercruysse & Reject The Sickness
Music: Guy Vercruysse & Pepijn Desmet (2014)
In memory of Gerard Sierens and Margareta Verloock
Links:
http://www.reject-the-sickness.com/
https://www.instagram.com/reject_the_sickness/
https://www.facebook.com/rejectthesickness/
https://www.youtube.com/user/RejectTheSickness/videos https://twitter.com/rtsickness
https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Reject_the_Sickness/3540359453
https://soundcloud.com/reject-the-sickness
https://rejectthesickness.bandcamp.com/
https://www.reverbnation.com/rejectthesickness8
Guitar: Zoran Van Bellegem
Guitar: Ruben Van der Beken
Bass/Backings: Jonas Messiaen
Drums: Jannick Govaert
Vocals: Guy Vercruysse
