UK metal band Malevolence has released their latest track, “Twelve To Zero,” which serves as the official anthem for the upcoming World Of Warcraft expansion, titled Midnight. The song was composed in a remarkable 12 hours and reflects the urgent themes of the game’s new storyline.
The creation of “Twelve To Zero” followed a unique challenge from Blizzard Entertainment, the developers behind World Of Warcraft. They tasked Malevolence with capturing the essence of the expansion’s scale and tension within a tight timeframe. The result is a “crushing, cinematic track” that aligns with the high-stakes drama players can expect in the new campaign.
Inspiration from Gaming
The band’s guitarist, Konan Hall, expressed his excitement about the project, highlighting his long-standing passion for both music and gaming. Hall received a custom Jackson guitar inspired by his World Of Warcraft character, a dwarf paladin, which he played during a surprise performance at the Download Festival. “World of Warcraft and music are two of my favourite things,” he stated. “Playing the Jackson guitar on stage will remind me of the hours I spent in the taverns of Azeroth.”
The urgency of the challenge allowed the band to explore creative avenues without the pressure that comes with album releases. Alex Taylor, the band’s vocalist, noted, “It’s cool to have the challenge to write a song in 12 hours. It allowed us to get creative and have fun without the pressure of it being on an album.” He also mentioned that this track might surprise listeners, as it diverges from their typical sound.
Looking Ahead to Midnight
“Twelve To Zero” is released ahead of the March 2, 2024 launch of the Midnight expansion, which will introduce new housing options, a campaign, and four additional areas to explore in the beloved fantasy role-playing game. The anticipation surrounding the expansion highlights the ongoing popularity of World Of Warcraft, which continues to evolve and engage its player base.
In the previous year, Malevolence encountered challenges when they had to remove their music video for “Salt The Wound” after legal threats from the National Trust. The band humorously remarked that performing guitar on a public path frequented by tourists was deemed a criminal offense worth pursuing.
Earlier this month, Malevolence also surprised fans with the release of their new single “Silhouette,” further showcasing their ability to innovate and connect with their audience. As they continue to blend their musical talent with their love for gaming, Malevolence is poised to make a significant mark on both the music and gaming industries.
