Warning: This article touches on the sensitive topic of addiction. If this is a triggering subject for you, we advise you don’t read any further. If you or someone you know are struggling with opioid addiction, we encourage you to go to someone like Recoverydelivered.com for help recovering from such a harmful addiction.
Inspired by 90s grunge, Joey Arena began playing guitar at the age of 11 on an old 3-string guitar. After achieving commercial success with his first band Young Bloods, Arena struggled to find himself, and soon was traveling 8 hours on weekends from Rochester to Cleveland in search of an identity and definition for what would become Ovtlier’s debut EP ‘What Doesn’t Kill You’. After adding Paul Milne on lead-guitar, Joey Lana on drums, Cosmo Pusateri on bass, and Joe Syracusa on rhythm guitar, the full line up began playing sold-out local shows and rapidly growing their fan-base among rock fans. Following several offers from major labels, Ovtlier set out to deliver their most personal and intense work yet.
OVTLIER have released a brand new video for “Set The World In Flames”. Which will be on the bands upcoming EP due out in the fall. The band delivers a hard-hitting song with an intense and poignant video companion to the track. The graphic video brings the listener on a whirlwind journey of murder, crime, and self-destruction that holds nothing back. Together with director Jessi Conti, OVTLIER display the true horrors of ongoing opioid addiction raging throughout communities around USA, including their hometown of Rochester, NY. More and more people are signing up for addiction treatment in these areas, which may at first come across as a positive but it is a result of there being more access to these dangerous substances in the first place. Raising awareness when it comes to substance abuse is a great way of helping substance abuse centers similar to Enterhealth (https://enterhealth.com/) to reach more people who are suffering from the addiction. Musicians often find themselves in a position to help their fans seek help or give them a platform to speak out about their addiction. The band draws influences from Breaking Benjamin, 30 Seconds To Mars, and Korn but their unique style and blend of both harsh and melodic vocals certainly sets them apart from their influences.
In regards to the video and its subject matter Arena stated “The media calls it an epidemic, but I call it a pandemic. I have lost many friends within the past year to addiction and substance abuse.” Arena continues “This is also a song of self-empowerment. Putting faith in yourself to overcome the unimaginable. As the saying goes, ‘It won’t be easy, it’ll be worth it.'” Arena is correct in highlighting the vast impact that addiction can have on not only individuals but the people around them. However, in certain cases, addicts will often associate with fellow addicts, making it harder for each other to begin recovery. Even relationships can often be tarnished by addiction, but it’s worth remembering that it’s never too late to get help. Rehab can often be a scary prospect, but couples rehab may appeal more to people that wish to recover alongside their partner. Have a look at a website for more information on how couples rehab could help you or someone close to you.
The video depicts vivid drug use and puts the spotlight on the increasing problem both small rural towns and metropolitan cities face in regards to drug addiction. Ovtlier brings the rock edge to a new height of intensity. “Set The World In Flames” ends emphatically with a SAMHSA (Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration) recovery line flashing on the black screen.
