Daedric Wears Drops Single “Alien Skin”

Daedric continues the march toward their sophomore album with the release of their latest single, “Alien Skin.” A pure metalcore adrenaline rush, “Alien Skin” was an early favourite and a must-have for the album. Originally written in 2019, it let Daedric’s live members, Trevor (drums) and Dylan (guitar), shine, scratching the band’s metal itch with raw intensity.

Kristyn Hope shares:

“Lyrically, I had written this one after overseeing the movie Dark City from the ’90s.”

The song draws inspiration from the 1998 sci-fi film Dark City, exploring paranoia, self-doubt, and reality distortion. The protagonist questions whether they’ve committed a terrible crime, mirroring the film’s eerie world where unseen forces manipulate reality. The pre-chorus introduces a sinister voice whispering doubt: “You’re not going to be okay,” adding to the song’s unsettling atmosphere.

Musically, “Alien Skin” marked a shift for Daedric, introducing gritty, belted vocals for the first time. The chorus, instead of exploding with energy, takes a hauntingly restrained approach, amplifying the song’s tension. This track also connects directly to “Dreamweaver,” which expands on its themes of paranoia and inescapable nightmares.

Blending sci-fi horror with a relentless metalcore edge, “Alien Skin” stands as one of the album’s most conceptually rich and intense tracks.

Daedric is an alternative rock and metal project led by vocalist and artist Kristyn Hope, alongside producers Clay Schroeder and Geoff Rockwell.

Daedric draws inspiration from an eclectic array of sources, including the open-world role-playing game series Elder Scrolls, from which the Daedric name is derived. The musical soundscape can best be described as “all killer, no filler” (according to Metal Epidemic) with a dance of hypnotic synths, elaborate grooves, and intensely dynamic vocals.

Kristyn launched the Daedric project in 2021 through a partnership with electronic rock label FiXT. With the debut full-length album, Mortal, under Daedric’s belt, the project has solidified its hold on the line between rock and metal, with promises to tighten its grip on listeners’ ears. The band continues forward with a new album slated for release in late 2025.

Daedric “Night Mother” single artwork