Betrayed’s “Parasite”: Italian Brutality Through Insanity

WRITTEN BY: ROB PAGAN

Italian metal outfit Betrayed delivers a hauntingly clever narrative through their single “Parasite” and it has my undivided attention. The song takes us on a trip into a fragmented mind that is struggling with the complex layers of a broken psyche. And the more I listen to it, the more I uncover the carefully sculpted musical connotations embedded within. It’s rare when you discover an audio canvas loaded with instrumentation that speaks to the message all on its own. 

The idea that music can evoke certain emotions is a very real thing. And “Parasite” does this as it pulls us into this proverbial rollercoaster as we start with a beautiful and serene piano melody, signifying the calmness of the mind. We then quickly pivot into a stark demonstration of how chaos can suddenly form in an instant with the introduction of gritty guitars, allowing room for dirty riffage and piercing melodic leads. 

Amidst the evolving and reshaping of the music itself, contrasting screams and vocal melodies find their place as the true message begins to surface. Differing personalities start to become clear in not only the performance within the two styles, but also the lyrical shift between what appears to be the stable mind versus the madness. 

Now, I am admittedly a HUGE fan of European metal bands like Betrayed as it opens up other avenues of perspective when it comes to the varying genres within the metal world. I always find it interesting how much thought bands like this put into not just the lyrical content, but the overall structure and tonality of each song they produce. It’s designed to be an experience and in that, “Parasite” delivers. 

Be sure to keep tabs on this band as they masterfully produce their own sound and continue to awe with their distinct approach to immersive metal music.