By Dig Dirkler
With their latest release, New Gods, New Masters, Revocation dive headfirst into a digital abyss—wrestling with the tension between technological advancement and human decay. Frontman Dave Davidson sat down to discuss the album’s philosophical core, musical evolution, and the band’s ever-expanding sonic horizons.
“New Gods, New Masters” explores themes of technological worship and the fading relevance of traditional deities—what sparked your interest in these ideas?
It calls into question what it means to be human, our place in the world, and what the fate of humanity might be if this type of technology goes rogue. So I think there’s a lot to be interested in there.
You mentioned the danger of a “technological dystopia.” Do you think we’re already living in the early stages of one, and how does that anxiety translate into the album’s sound?
I think we could be in the early innings of a techno-dystopia. It certainly feels like we spend more and more of our time online and disconnected from reality. AI-generated videos are already flooding the internet—I find myself asking if the things I’m viewing are even real anymore, which is a strange feeling.
That unease definitely seeps into the record’s sound. Even though the album is about technology, I wanted it to feel very organic and human rather than cold or sterile.
How did bringing Harry Lannon and Alex Weber into the fold change the band’s dynamics?
The music was already written, so it didn’t change the writing process, but it’s great having new blood in the band. Both Alex and Harry are great performers and really bring a renewed life force to Revocation—on and off stage.
What aspects of your playing or songwriting did you try to evolve compared to Netherheaven?
For me, it’s more of a natural evolution. I’m always practicing, transcribing, and learning new things, but that all comes out subconsciously in my writing. I don’t sit down thinking, “I’ll write in this key” or “use this mode.” I just play until something catches my ear, then refine it once I know I’m onto something.
Revocation has always pushed technical boundaries—do you feel there’s a point where technicality overshadows emotion?
It’s case by case. You can say a lot with a little—but sometimes more is more. It really depends on the musical idea and how it fits into the overall context of the song and album.
The lyrics feel both introspective and socially critical. Was there a central narrative tying the nine tracks together?
Yes. The album is a concept record about the dangers of AI and how society is on the verge of a potentially self-destructive path in pursuit of technological progress.
With such intense subject matter and complex music, how do you balance your vision with accessibility?
For me, everything has to serve the song. I strive for cohesion—that mindset brings it all together.
Can you walk us through some of the key gear setups that shaped the album’s tone?
I used my Jackson WR7 to track everything. For amps and pedals, we sent the raw DI tracks to Jens Bogren, who re-amped everything. I believe he used a Mesa amp, but I’m not sure of the finer details. Jens sent me several tone options labeled “A,” “B,” and “C” to choose from, which I loved—because it let me focus on sound rather than biasing myself toward a certain brand.
Streaming platforms—necessary evil or genuine opportunity for bands in 2025?
I’m not sure how much advantage they offer artists. I wish royalty rates were better instead of the fractions of pennies we make, but these platforms are probably here to stay. I’m hopeful they’ll find ways to better drive ticket or merch sales to offset those low rates—but maybe I’m being too optimistic.
How are you bringing the album’s cinematic horror and dystopian energy to the stage?
We’ve got a great light show on this tour that I’m really proud of. Each song has its own color palette, creating cool mood shifts throughout the set. The new material is ferocious live—it’s been going over great with fans.
As a sci-fi horror fan, any recent films that impressed you?
Actually, Brandon Cronenberg, David Cronenberg’s son, has made some incredible stuff. I highly recommend Infinity Pool and Possessor—they’re super creative and creepy. If you’re a sci-fi horror fan, Possessor is a must-watch.
If you actually got “Cronenberged” mid-set, which Revocation song would be best for destroying a city—and why?
Obviously Cronenberged. I can’t think of a better soundtrack for the destruction of a city at the hands—or tentacles—of a hideous mutation than that one. Haha.
New Gods, New Masters isn’t just another technical death metal album—it’s a mirror reflecting our digital obsessions and existential fragility. Through blistering riffs and haunting concepts, Revocation have crafted a record that’s as intellectually probing as it is sonically devastating.
Humanity may be spiraling toward its own manufactured doom—but for now, Davidson and company are here to make the soundtrack unforgettable.
REVOCATION are currently on a month-long North American headlining tour. The journey began on October 16th in Leesburg, Virginia and runs through November 15th in Raleigh, North Carolina. Support is be provided by Judiciary, Inferi, and Vomit Forth (on select dates).
Tickets are on sale now at revocationband.com/tour. See all confirmed dates below.
REVOCATION w/ Judiciary, Inferi, Vomit Forth:
10/16/2025 Tally Ho – Leesburg, VA
10/17/2025 Brooklyn Monarch – New York, NY
10/18/2025 Brighton Music Hall – Boston, MA
10/19/2025 Foufones – Montreal, QC
10/20/2025 Lee’s Palace – Toronto, ON
10/21/2025 Sanctuary – Detroit, MI
10/22/2025 Reggies – Chicago, IL *
10/24/2025 HQ – Denver, CO
10/25/2025 Ace’s High – Salt Lake City, UT
10/26/2025 The Shredder – Boise, ID
10/27/2025 El Corazon – Seattle, WA
10/28/2025 Rickshaw – Vancouver, BC
10/29/2025 Dante’s – Portland, OR
10/31/2025 Neck Of The Woods – San Francisco, CA
11/01/2025 Echoplex – Los Angeles, CA
11/02/2025 Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA
11/04/2025 Rosetta Room – Mesa, AZ
11/05/2025 Launchpad – Albuquerque, NM *
11/07/2025 RBC – Dallas, TX *
11/08/2025 Come And Take It Live – Austin, TX
11/09/2025 Scout Bar – Houston, TX *
11/11/2025 Orpheum – Tampa, FL
11/12/2025 Respectable Street – West Palm Beach, FL
11/13/2025 Conduit – Orlando FL
11/14/2025 The Radio Room – Greenville, SC
11/15/2025 Chapel Of Bones – Raleigh, NC
*No Vomit Forth
Categories: Interviews, News, REVOCATION, Tour Dates
Capital Chaos TV 
Leave a comment