Led by vocalist and artist, Kristyn Hope alongside producers, Clay Schroeder and Geoff Rockwell, alternative rock and metal project Daedric’s title track nearly didn’t make it onto their sophomore album Callous in its final form.
Originally written in 20 minutes back in 2021, the song felt outdated, until the band made a bold last-minute decision to completely rework it. Reshaping the production, adding an atmospheric electronic edge, turning it into a modern, dynamic track that fit the album’s vision ‘Callous’, is the balance the album needed. It now serves as an emotional counterpoint to ‘Iridescent Wings’, showcasing the band’s willingness to push boundaries and challenge their own work.
It is out now as a single and available here.
Lyrically, it explores deep betrayal and heartbreak, built around themes of abandonment and retribution. The title reflects a false sense of emotional detachment—punishing someone while secretly suffering yourself. The dual vocals create a back-and-forth tension, almost like an argument with oneself. “The duality between the vocals worked out well, it’s like a conversation with yourself or with the other person,” Kristyn Hope recalled.
The song’s outro features heavily auto-tuned vocals, a divisive but ultimately beloved choice. Originally, there were plans for a guest feature, but the band decided to keep it internal. One of the most amusing moments? The breakdown only features a single screamed word: “rot.”
