From touring with heavweights such as Korn and Enter Shikari to playing some of the worlds biggest stages, Hacktivist, a UK staple band known for their creative mix of grime and modern metal, is excited to announce Jordan ‘JJ’ Olifent, formerly of Borders, as their new co-lead vocalist.
Watch: The New Video https://shorturl.at/sHIQ1
Olifent makes a powerful entrance with the release of ‘Rep the H’, a track highlighting his dynamic vocal range. His live debut with Hacktivist was a standout moment at the UK Tech-Fest on June 29th.
The band is now preparing for a major performance, headlining the “Mangata Festival” in Nottingham on July 13th, 2023. This event is particularly significant for Olifent, marking his first Nottingham show since 2017. Hacktivist isn’t just a band; they blend grime and technical metal to convey messages of open-mindedness, critical thinking, self-empowerment, compassion, and empathy.
Their new song “Crooks and Criminals” delves into the problematic relationship between politics, media, and corporate interests. It suggests that media campaigns often promote division and fear, influencing public opinion in ways that can harm society.
The title alludes to the unethical behavior of political and corporate entities that use media influence to undermine democratic principles. Olifent contributes personal insight from his time as a newspaper intern, where he observed a preference for negative stories over positive ones. This experience underlines the song’s message about the power of media in shaping political narratives.
Additionally, “Crooks and Criminals” responds to the UK government’s “Rethink. Reskill. Reboot” initiative from the “CyberFirst” programme. The band perceives this campaign as a dismissive message to those in creative fields, urging them to abandon their passions for more conventional careers in the face of economic challenges. The song is a rallying cry to see beyond manipulative tactics and to value individuality and genuine societal interests over greed and control.
Band Members
JJ Olifent – Vocals
Jay Hurley – Vocals
Josh Gurner – Bass
James Hewitt – Guitar
Rich Hawking – Drums
Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HacktivistUK
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hacktivistuk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HacktivistUK