Byzantine - New Ways to Bear Witness (Extended Cut)

In 2016, On the heels of signing to Metal Blade Records, Byzantine got right back in the studio and recorded their 6th album, The Cicada Tree. The band promptly shot a video for the opening track, the southern thrasher, New Ways To Bear Witness. The video depicts the journey of their frontman being late to the gig and running into scenarios along the way, most notably being involved in a hit and run with former drummer, Matt Wolfe. During the filming of this scene, OJ gets a concussion which ends in an ER visit the following day. We hope you enjoy this peek behind the camera!


Stream/Download the full album:
  / the-cicada-tree  

Director - Holly Grayson
New Ways to Bear Witness appears on 2017's The Cicada Tree
Metal Blade Records

Follow Byzantine:
Facebook:   / byzantinewv  
Instagram:   / officialbyzantine  
Twitter:   / byzantinewv  
Website: https://byzantinewv.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2rCGq...

BYZANTINE Lineup for video
C. Ojeda - Vocals, Guitar
B. Henderson - Guitar
S. Sydnor - Bass
M. Bowles - Drums

Music: C. Ojeda
Lyrics: J. Rakes, C. Ojeda

Violence imposed with max severity
Plagued by misery we can’t give up the ghost
When all you know in life is partiality
You flee so easily from pillar to the post
We’ll hold the line as beatings grow
And possibilities of fatalities

One day those victimized will revolt
Against a world that views them as less
Exposing all they know through a lens the stories told
Viralized with no end

Silent eyes awake to see official crime
By those that we rely, deceiving their own kind
Whispers once low, now they shout what matters most
Streaming evidence confirms what we have known
They tow the lies, it’s no surprise
Dividing us in hopes of disharmony

One day those victimized will revolt
Against a world that views them as less
Exposing all they know
Through a lens the stories told

My children live in a different world
And I hold myself to blame
As they redefine accountability

How can I ever know what’s good for you
When our faces are obscured by a screen
We need to touch, we need to feel, we need to hear
Or is it all just a dream

My children live in a different world
And I hope it’s not too late
As they’re taught to love with humility

(C) (P) 2013 WV Snakepit Music