Italian Prog/Alternative Metal band Red Code have released the official music video for “Checkmate,” taken from their debut EP “Traces of Unease and Discomfort (Episode 1),” out via Epictronic.
“Checkmate” uses a game of chess as a framework for manipulation, control, and emotional conflict. The track pairs Heavy riffs with a tense atmosphere and builds toward a point where winning and losing stop being distinct outcomes — in a game built on destruction, both sides lose.
The video is one of three chapters in “An Archive of Us,” a sci-fi/thriller short film that uses a dystopian setting to examine the need for control. The other two chapters are built around the tracks “Quarantine” and “Toxic Karma.” The project was produced by S@NGIORGIO 2020, with technical support from Infinity Digital.
Watch the official video for “Checkmate” via the YouTube player below:
Stream “Traces of Unease and Discomfort (Episode 1)” here: https://orcd.co/touad
— About Red Code —
Red Code was formed in Trieste as a live act, founded by vocalist Lenina, drummer Ivo and bassist Andrea Bossi, who later passed away. Lenina and the rest of the group decided to carry on. The sound is built around her vocals and the four instruments, with no backing tracks or studio sequencing live.
Over the years, the band have played small clubs, festivals, and motorcycle rallies, opening for Cristina Scabbia (Lacuna Coil), Exilia, Nicola Manzan (Bologna Violenta), Pierpaolo Capovilla (Il Teatro degli Orrori), Underwaves, Tystnaden, Logical Terror, and Break Me Down. They’ve also been featured on Radio Rai.
“Traces of Unease and Discomfort” is the band’s first studio release after years of live performance. The sound combines the aggression of Alternative Metal — with reference points like System of a Down and Godsmack — with the structural influence of Prog acts like Dream Theater and Fates Warning.
Lineup:
Lenina / Vocals
Daniel / Guitars
Gabriele / Bass, backing vocals
Marco / Drums