WORLDWIDE PANIC Announces “The Greatest Villain The World Has Ever Seen” and PRESAVE Link to NEW Single “Below It All” Due out March 21

“BELOW IT ALL” is your latest single—what’s the inspiration behind the track, and how does it set the tone for the upcoming album? “It lives in the same universe as our lead single “Break Me Down” as this is a concept record. The inspiration came from not measuring up to people’s expectations.”

The title “THE GREATEST VILLAIN THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN” is bold and provocative. What’s the story or concept behind the album? “The title for records is where I generally start. I like to think I am an Idea guy. Start with the idea and build from there. This was a cathartic experience for me. I felt vilified by people, the industry and my peers. I felt people just always went to the worst possible conclusion to any and all things I did. So I felt the need to respond by giving people not only a villain but the greatest villain if you will.”

How does “BELOW IT ALL” compare to your previous work? Did you experiment with any new sounds or themes? “It doesn’t showcase the “Industrial” side of the band which is ok. It’s more of a Rock tune. I think it shows alot of growth. Adding it to the set recently and hearing how it fits in with the other work is really cool. Making anything new and having it fit in with the rest of your catalog to me is a really interesting and fulfilling experience.

The name WORLDWIDE PANIC suggests chaos and intensity. How does this new release embody that energy? “There are some extremely heavy, dark and ominous moments on this record. The name of the band suggests that it may be even a Hardcore band. I love that genre of music however we are not leaning into any “core” genre. It’s a Hard Rock, Metal, and Industrial band. The name actually came in 2002 after the events of 911 and all that followed.”

Creative Process & Themes:
What was the writing and recording process like for “BELOW IT ALL”? Any standout moments or challenges? “No. The title and the hook I had written for about 4 years prior to making the song. I think there was 3-4 failed versions before we started from almost scratch and ended up with what you hear today.”

Lyrically, what themes are you exploring in this single and the upcoming album? “Again it is about someone born good who by a series of events is made to become the baddest of the bad. There’s alot of themes of redemption but lots of vengeance, revenge and even brutal violence. I felt like all of the above was needed to cleanse my soul.”

Who or what influenced the sound and direction of this new era of WORLDWIDE PANIC? “An album is a stamp in time. There are some great songs on here and a few that haven’t aged well with me to be frank. However I am not withholding anything. Even though something does not speak to me I feel that maybe someone else can connect with it.”

The album title suggests a villainous narrative. Is this a character, a metaphor, or a reflection of something deeper? “Oh no, it’s about me. It’s a chance for me to tell my story through my lens. Does this mean I am a bad person? No, however! Anyone who sells you that they are “good” you must question their true nature. I find the best people on the planet when asked “Are you a good person” the ones that answer “I don’t know” have the best hearts and intentions. This is because if they don’t know this means they are actively trying to better themselves in one way or another and that to me is more admirable than “Virtue signaling” to the world. “Hey look at me I am GOOD!”

Release & Fan Engagement:
Why did you choose March 21 as the release date for “BELOW IT ALL”? Is there any significance? “None our team told me it was a good time to release and I am very lucky to have a really strong team”

How important are pre-saves for independent/rock artists today, and what do you hope fans take away from this single? “I made the Itunes best seller chart by doing tours and selling pre-sales. So I can speak first hand to the power of pre-sales. I hope listeners take away a sense of knowing that they are ok just being themselves and to stop trying to get approval from others and be happy with who they are.”

Can fans expect any surprises—music videos, live performances, or collaborations—around this release? “We have put out 2 music videos off this record and a lyric video so far. I can’t say what is left but we have alot more to go and I’ll leave it at that.

With the album coming soon, can you tease any other tracks or themes listeners should watch for? “We are putting out a track very soon that is the most “Headbanging” WP to date. I love groove oriented riffs and

Future & Touring:
Will there be a tour or live shows to support this album? Any cities or festivals you’re especially excited about? “Stay tuned for all touring announcements”

How do you envision “THE GREATEST VILLAIN THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN” resonating with both longtime fans and new listeners? “I hope it does! You never really know. I think it gives long time fans everything they expect from a WP record. New fans well you in for a good time.”

What’s the ultimate goal for WORLDWIDE PANIC with this new era of music? “Take all that comes with it in stride and keep going because we have alot more to offer.”