Photo by Bella Petro

What really is the best solution to “Numb the Pain”? One great way of doing just that is going heavy with the pressure, and INITIATE are applying it liberally on the lead single off their new EP — and first since joining the likes of Spiritual Cramp, Superheaven, and Restraining Order over at increasingly impressive roster on Blue Grape Music — With Love // With Rage. Melodic hardcore heads who found plenty to love in the SoCal quintet’s sound by way of a hook of might on their 2023 debut full-length, Cerebral Circus, may need to step to this one with caution, however.

This time around, they’re amping up their intensity in its metalcore-edged thrash of guitars, with frontwoman Crystal Pak fully engulfed in screaming flames. Still, a momentary break from the fury allows for a more delicate touch to cool its surface. “When intrusive thoughts take their aim / I need your love to numb the pain,” she sings. As with all ebbs and flows in life, the answer to surviving our anguish balances strength as resilience and the endurance of the heart.

Directed by: Bella Petro

INITIATE’s With Love // With Rage will be released August 7th on Blue Grape Music.