A Maturing Hiatus, ENHYPEN Unveils Self-Assured Evolution with 'Bite Me'
Making a confident comeback with an evolved persona, ENHYPEN has transformed into vampires.
K-pop sensation ENHYPEN (consisting of members Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jungwon, and Ni-ki) released their fourth mini-album, 'DARK BLOOD,' through various music platforms at 6 PM KST on the 22nd.
After approximately ten months since the release of their third mini-album 'MANIFESTO : DAY 1' last July, the band stated, "This has been the longest hiatus since our debut. We would like to express our gratitude to all ENGENEs who have patiently waited for us during this time. We've worked hard preparing for this comeback, so please show us your support."
The band continued, "We believe we have grown both in skill and as artists during our world tour," and assured fans, "We have prepared high-quality performances to reward your patience," showing their confidence. 'DARK BLOOD' symbolically depicts the group's desire for closer connection with fans and their gratitude towards them in a 'dark fantasy' narrative.
'DARK BLOOD' tells the story of a boy prepared to sacrifice for his destined partner (you), a narrative that ties in with the HIVE original story 'DARK MOON: Altar of the Moon,' created in collaboration with ENHYPEN.
Both works explore themes of omnipotence, curses, and fate, all centered around the common act of 'biting.' ENHYPEN is expected to forge a new path in next-gen entertainment through the integration of this story IP.
Emphasizing their 'growth,' ENHYPEN aims to strengthen their unique color with performances that perfectly embody their unique concept, showcasing more solid performances than ever before.
The title track 'Bite Me' expresses the boy's realization of his blood-connected fate with 'you' and his desire for 'you' to bite him again, a narrative conveyed through the pop genre. The captivating and dark track, infused with ENHYPEN's distinctive palette, was completed with Heeseung's involvement in recording direction, and Ni-Ki's contribution to the choreography.
Living up to their reputation for great performances, ENHYPEN enhances the atmosphere of 'Bite Me' with a dark yet unique choreography. The captivating stage features movements that hint at the boy's thirst for blood, beguiling gestures touching the neck twice, and actions that seem to plead for a bite with a finger.
ENHYPEN said, "It's a song that allows for physical freedom. We focused more on facial expressions and attitude during practice. We even studied actors' expressions to improve. Practicing facial expressions was more challenging than choreography."
The music video for 'Bite Me', shot on location overseas, also offers a variety of visual delights. ENHYPEN expressed confidence, saying, "We shot at a castle in Poland, which felt like a classic movie. We think the music video turned out well, with the background, performances, and costumes blending beautifully."
In addition to the title track, the album includes 'Fate', depicting a boy awakening to his destiny, 'Sacrifice (Eat Me Up)', pledging sacrifice for the other, 'Chaconne', depicting a boy descending into his solitary dance, 'Bills', metaphorically expressing delayed regrets and anguish from lost love, and 'Karma', carrying a message not to forget the fate that has continued from previous lives. Each song organically connects the story of the boy and 'you', enhancing the message delivery.
ENHYPEN stated, "When people think of ENHYPEN, they often imagine a dark atmosphere. We think that's our unique concept and color. We've improved in terms of performance, stamina, and attitude during our six-month tour, so we're excited to show our enhanced stage presence," and added, "We want to show what makes us different from other groups. We want to show how we've grown as artists."
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