Defects reveal their brand-new single ‘Artificial Icons,’ which boils over with rage on a world run by control and lies, and announce changes within the band. Check out the video for ‘Artificial Icons.’
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Following on from themes touched upon on their debut album, ‘Artificial Icons’ tackles wider socio-political issues.  It’s about zooming out on the world, noticing manipulation, and refusing to stand by.
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It’s a volatile mix of crushing riffs, thunderous breakdowns, and soaring choruses, surging between savage screams and anthemic vocals, pushing and pulling between chaos and clarity. The lyrics scream, “Oppress and pretend that this is all to protect, build back better, what the fuck do you mean, you wanna start a revolution that we don’t even see.” The song holds particular clarity in the world’s political climate of 2026. “Look around. I wanted to write a song that pushes you to think outside the box. I was faced with religious teachings when I was younger. I felt fear, I felt rage, and I wanted to fight back. Believe in what you choose, not in what others force on you for their own agendas, profit or control,” says singer Tony Maue.
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‘Artificial Icons’ follows their previous new single, Heresy – a brutal confrontation with blind faith and false hope. This is their first new music since the release of 2024’s Modern Error.
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When their debut album was released, it connected with metal fans around the globe. Momentum surged as they hit the road hard, sweeping across Europe with Trivium, Northlane, Of Mice and Men, Orbit Culture, and Funeral for a Friend. Their festival checklist was a monster exercise: Download (UK), Slam Dunk (UK), Mystic Festival (Poland), Rock Im Park/Rock Am Ring (Germany), Impericon Festival (Germany), Rockharz (Germany), Summer Breeze Open Air (Germany), Rock for the People (Czech Republic), Jera On Air (The Netherlands), Graspop (Belgium), and Parkpop (Belgium).
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In late summer 2025, they reached a fork in the road. Harry Jennings (Drums), Luke Genders (Guitar), and David Silver (Bass) chose to step back and focus on new life chapters. Together with Maue, they co-wrote new music as a parting gift and legacy, leaving their mark as they departed.
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Maue and guitarist James Threadwell continues the band. “It was incredibly tough. They’re my friends. I love those guys to pieces. When we wrote together, there was a real bond,” Maue says, before adding, “There were moments when I didn’t know how to piece this together to walk forward.”​While this moment is bittersweet, they’re stepping into a new era with a new lineup: Tony Maue (Vocals), James Threadwell (Guitar), Taylor Brown (Guitar), and Rowan Jack (Drums), bringing a renewed focus and the same fire that has always driven them forward.
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‘Artificial Icons’ will continue to light the path. “I can’t give up. I’ve given up before. I know what that looks like, and I’m not doing that again,” Maue affirms.