The Total Sound Of The Undergound

Lelahel Metal

HeartRage’s latest single “Collide” marks a bold leap into cinematic territory, blending orchestral grandeur with modern metal. We spoke with Constantin Ranis about collaboration, inspiration, and emotional storytelling.

1. “Collide” is your most cinematic and theatrical release to date. What inspired the grand, orchestral direction of this track?
The track was actually written quite a while ago. I had the guitars and overall instrumentation done, along with some basic keys to sketch out the vibe. Then I connected with Alexandra on Instagram, and we started talking about a potential collaboration. I sent her the track, and she immediately ran with it—adding these majestic orchestral and classical elements that gave the song a whole new dimension. Once I had her arrangement, I refined my post-production elements to better blend the cinematic textures with modern metal. That’s really when the vision came together.

2. How did the collaboration with Pete Rawcliffe, Alexandra Gicheska, and Peter Papapetrou come about, and what did each bring to the emotional depth of the song?
I knew Alexandra and Pete through Instagram. I had everything written, but I was still missing a vocalist. I reached out to Pete and asked if he could imagine singing on the track. Once he heard the demo, he immediately said yes—he told me it was the most modern track he’s ever sung on, and he really enjoyed stepping into that world.
Peter, on the other hand, is someone I’ve known for years—he actually taught me the basics of guitar when I was starting out, from how to play power chords to palm muting. So having him contribute a guest solo on this track was a full-circle moment.
Each of them brought their unique voice and spirit to the song. They didn’t just perform—they left their fingerprints on it. I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.

3. The vocal performance by Pete Rawcliffe is incredibly powerful and expressive. What led you to choose him as the lead voice for this track?
I knew this song would be vocally demanding, and while I know several talented singers, none of them felt quite right for this one. Pete has a crazy range and the kind of expressive power I needed. From the start, I had a gut feeling he was the perfect fit. And he absolutely exceeded expectations—when I heard the final mix, I literally got chills.

4. You’ve described “Collide” as what might happen if Bring Me The Horizon and Within Temptation had a child. Was this hybrid style a conscious goal from the beginning?
Actually, no—it wasn’t planned at all. But once Alexandra added her orchestral elements, the direction naturally started leaning that way. That blend of cinematic metalcore with symphonic layers just made sense, and I embraced it as the song evolved.

5. Compared to earlier HeartRage tracks like “Dystopic Future” or “Save Yourself,” “Collide” feels more narrative-driven. Is there a specific story or message behind the lyrics?
Yes, definitely. The lyrics are actually quite romantic—it’s about the strength of love and how deeply it can transform two people. It’s about that emotional bond that helps them grow together and become something greater than they were alone. We often hear songs about toxic relationships, but I wanted to write something that celebrates how powerful and uplifting love can be when it’s real.

6. This song blends metal, electronic, and orchestral layers seamlessly. What was the biggest challenge in producing and mixing such a dense arrangement?
I didn’t mix the track myself, but I always write with arrangement in mind. Having a basic understanding of music theory and mixing really helps when composing—I try to think in terms of frequency space and layering from the beginning. Making sure every element has its own place prevents things from clashing, even in a dense mix like this.

7. “Collide” was mixed and mastered at Abbey Road Studios—an iconic place. How did it feel to have your work shaped in such a legendary space?
Actually, Collide was mixed and mastered by Justin Mitchell at Kings Studios. He’s worked with bands like I Am King. We got connected when he reached out to me about trying some impulse responses he’d created. I checked out his work, and it instantly clicked—he was the right person to give this track the polish it needed.

8. With each release, HeartRage seems to expand its collaborative network. Do you see yourself continuing this rotating-guest approach, or are you leaning toward a more consistent lineup in the future?
If I were to build a consistent lineup, it would mainly be to play live. But for now, I really enjoy collaborating with musicians from all over the world—especially because I write in a variety of styles. This rotating-guest model keeps things fresh, and each release feels like something unique and special.

9. What’s next for HeartRage in 2025? Is “Collide” a standalone single, or will it be part of a larger body of work like an EP or full-length album?
Right now, my plan is to release a new single every 3 to 4 months. So yes—Collide is a standalone release, but definitely not the last. The instrumentals for my next two singles are already done, and I’m working with two different vocalists again. The styles are once again very different from one another, so you can expect some surprises.

10. Finally, what do you hope listeners take away emotionally after hearing “Collide”? What does this track say about where you are now as an artist and human being?
HeartRage gives me the freedom to express myself in any way I feel—no labels, no boundaries. I just follow wherever the inspiration leads. Each song is its own story, its own journey. With Collide, I hope people feel a sense of emotional connection and power—something uplifting, something human. It’s a reflection of where I am right now: evolving, open, and driven by pure creative instinct.

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