AXTY, Brazil’s nu‑metalcore trailblazers, unveiled a high‑energy music video for their single "who I am" on July 17, 2026. The clip serves as a visual and sonic preview of the opening track on the band’s forthcoming album, The Pain Made Me Who I Am, slated for release on August 21, 2026 through Austria‑based Napalm Records.

The video is a kinetic showcase of AXTY’s signature blend of ferocious breakdowns and soaring choruses. Frontman Felipe Hervóso explains that the song is a “catchy chorus, groovy guitar riffs and drum parts, some filthy deathcore animal noises, and to top it all off, a The Office meme that drops straight into a caveman breakdown at the end.” The track’s lyrics, he says, represent one of the most personal moments on the album, drawing from the band’s turbulent 2025—a year that tested both their unity and individual resolve.

"2025 was a rough year for us, both personally and as a band. A lot changed. Some people tried to tear us down, but we made it through, and we’ll keep coming back stronger, louder, and more determined than ever," Hervóso added. The album’s overarching narrative centers on identity, resilience, and the transformation of pain into self‑evolution, themes the band has reiterated in recent interviews and promotional materials.

The Pain Made Me Who I Am will feature twelve tracks that fuse nu‑metalcore’s rhythmic drive with deathcore’s guttural vocal style and breakdowns. The record’s lyrical content underscores how adversity can fuel artistic growth—a concept that has resonated with listeners across the metal community.

Napalm Records, founded in 1992, has built a diverse roster that includes heavy metal, hard rock, and folk‑metal acts. The label’s recent expansion—highlighted by the signing of Swedish symphonic power metal band Twilight Force and the 2020 acquisition of German label SPV GmbH—has positioned it as a key player in the global metal scene. AXTY’s partnership with Napalm places the Brazilian outfit among peers such as Alter Bridge, Powerwolf, and Monster Magnet.

The video was distributed across several online platforms, notably the Russian social network VK and the Russian music site Core Radio. Its visual style incorporates meme culture—a playful nod to the band’s willingness to blend humor with heaviness. The release was accompanied by an official statement from AXTY’s management, confirming the track’s place on the upcoming album.

The single has already attracted attention from a range of metal publications. Metal Underground, Rock N Load, and Get Some Magazine have praised the emotional intensity of "who I am" and highlighted the band’s focus on identity and resilience. Critics note that AXTY’s fusion of nu‑metalcore and deathcore elements positions them alongside contemporary acts that combine melodic choruses with aggressive breakdowns.

Napalm Records has confirmed the August 21 release date on its official schedule and provides pre‑order links on its website. The album will be available in digital and physical formats, with a vinyl edition that includes the full tracklist.

In sum, AXTY’s new single and accompanying video signal a decisive step toward the band’s first full‑length album. The release reinforces their commitment to marrying aggressive metalcore instrumentation with memorable hooks while addressing the personal and collective challenges that defined 2025. The August 2026 launch of The Pain Made Me Who I Am is poised to solidify AXTY’s presence within the international metal community.