 | Photo credit: Alexander Bemis |
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Michigan metalcore outfit, OF VIRTUE, are giving voice to one of the quietest, most common struggles in their brand new single, ‘What’s It Like To Be Happy?‘, out now via Arising Empire. Released in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the track arrives as the third and most intimate chapter in an already commanding 2026, following the explosive reception to previous singles, ‘Death Of The Altar’ and ‘The Art Of Love’. Fans can listen to the new single here. Holding a mirror to the part of depression that is the hardest to admit, OF VIRTUE tackle articulating the gap between who you are and who you want to be, and how insurmountable that gap can feel on the worst days. Rooted in the debilitating effects of depression and all that follows, ‘What’s It Like To Be Happy?‘ leans into the disconnect of watching life carry on around you while you stay perfectly, painfully still. In doing so, the track continues the band’s ongoing focus on the emotional and relational toll that addiction, mental health, and the stigma surrounding both leave in their wake. The brand new track, co-written alongside Lee Albrecht (Bilmuri, The Devil Wears Prada, etc) and Evan McKeever (Starset, Koe Wetzel, etc), adds another chapter to the story they began on their 2023 record, Omen, which has amassed an impressive 65 million streams since its release. True to the band’s unflinching commitment to honesty and their longstanding advocacy for mental health awareness, vocalist Tyler Ennis reflects:
“When we were writing this song, the title itself was a question that was asked out loud in a somewhat joking way – but hit me in all the ways I didn’t think it could. “A lot of the experiences that I’ve had to go through in my adult life flashed through my mind in the blink of an eye. The loss of family members, revolving door toxic relationships, body dysmorphia/health issues were the tip of the iceberg. I was diagnosed with ADHD, my dopamine levels have been nonexistent or been overloaded constantly. Imposter syndrome and identity issues have put me in some of the worst depressive states I have ever experienced and there were times where I wondered out loud if this is the way my life would be forever. “In some of my darker moments as well, I turned to the wrong things to try and make myself feel better. Being a people pleaser and putting others before myself, self medication and not holding myself accountable was on full display. Posting only the “happy” moments on social media for validation, looking at other people and wishing I could feel the way that they did – not realizing in real time that a lot of them are also doing the same thing. It creates this weird feedback loop where everyone is pretending for everyone else and no one is truly happy at all. “I’m still searching within every moment in my life to find out what happiness looks like for me. I’m not saying I haven’t smiled or laughed, but that one question still haunts me to this day.” |
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 | OF VIRTUE – ‘What’s It Like To Be Happy?’ |
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| Harnessing the potent fusion of powerful melodies and emotionally charged lyrics, OF VIRTUE maintain a steadfast commitment to authenticity, consistently redefining the genre while staying true to their artistic essence. Beloved across 35 countries and having performed at multiple Danny Wimmer festivals, Upheaval, Full Force, Summer Breeze, and Pulp Summer Slam amongst many others, it’s no surprise that they’ve shared stages with bands such as Slipknot, Bad Omens, Nothing More, and Three Days Grace. Beyond their musical prowess, the metal powerhouse also serve as passionate mental health advocates on and off stage. Often seen using their platform to raise awareness and openly discuss these vital issues, OF VIRTUE have become a source of hope and inspiration for countless fans facing similar challenges. Carrying forward the spirit of their 2023 record, Omen, OF VIRTUE continue to champion vulnerability, community, and the belief that no one is defined solely by their worst decisions. With ‘Death Of The Altar’ and ‘The Art Of Love’ standing as the next chapter, the band further their evolution with a fearless, unflinching look at what it means to reclaim your life, even when it means burning down everything that once felt familiar. Be sure to stay tuned for more OF VIRTUE news coming very soon. |
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‘What’s It Like To Be Happy?‘ is a reminder that healing isn’t linear, and you deserve support every step of the way. It’s okay to ask for help. 1 in 5 people in the US experience mental illness every year. The #1 most effective protection against mental health decline is social prevention. Take care of yourself and the people around you. It’s okay to rest. It’s okay to not be okay. OF VIRTUE have always believed that no one should have to face these battles alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that help is available. You are not alone. Samaritans: www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan
Mind: 0300 123 3393 ABOUT OF VIRTUE
In the face of omnipresent change, OF VIRTUE has never wavered, forging a legacy that stands as a testament to the power of reinvention and a refusal to surrender. Since the band’s inception, their music – a punishing-yet-melodic mix of hard rock, metal, and alternative – has mirrored that ambition: unexpected and ever-shifting, always rooted in raw emotion. That restless spirit is fully realized on ‘Death Of The Altar’, the band’s new single and first release since 2023’s Omen. Built on jackhammer riffs, skittering industrial electronics, and ethereal production, the track surges from claustrophobic tension into a widescreen, soaring chorus showcasing contrasting vocal styles of Tyler Ennis and Damon Tate – equal parts soulful and caustic. The shift lands like the split second before impact, amplifying the song’s central theme: confronting the moment when devotion turns into self-destruction. The track arrives as the first glimpse of the band’s forthcoming fourth album and follows a period of rapid ascent: 2023’s Omen propelled the Michigan-based act to more than 65M streams, 4M YouTube views, and tours and festival appearances alongside Slipknot, Gojira, Bad Omens, The Used, and Three Days Grace, yet their momentum has always been fueled by more than accolades. Drawing inspiration from their diverse ethnic backgrounds (Chinese, Vietnamese, Mexican, Black, and Irish heritage), OF VIRTUE finds strength from these distinct perspectives, shaping their chemistry, songwriting and shared sense of purpose. FOLLOW OF VIRTUE:
Website || Facebook || Instagram || Twitter || TikTok |
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