By Laura Jane.
(Image credit to Myth O'Kell.]
DACARA’s latest release, DeGEN, has gone live and taking social media by storm. Although the single for "Degen" was released on the 12th December the official video went live on the 14th December 2025. "DeGen" is a video that has been directed and produced by Myth O'Kell, Mind Art Visual and DACARA.
The video is only what I could describe as what you'd imagine a fusion between a K-Pop video would be if infused with the likes of a busy and high energy metal show. I know when you read that some people are probably imaging their worst fears being unleashed... The irony being I remember the amount of "degens" that felt the whole Babymetal first on the scene was an absolute abomination to 'metal' - the gatekeeping plebs sat shaking in corner of a room clutching their Megadeth t-shirts saying "this is not metal"... but trust me. It's a great release.
To my last statement also - before anyone starts with the "this sounds nothing like Babymetal", I know this. I've been reviewing for a while and to compare the two would be... Don't get me wrong not the worst thing but it was more a disclosure to the fact that sometimes in the music scene if a band does anything different that isn't just open string, drop tuned and inverted power chords - it's "not cool" and shouldn't be listened too... Jesus christ, that's off topic but hey! It's Christmas and in the que cards featured in the amazing Christmas film "love actually" ... "Because at Christmas you tell the truth." I don't even know where I'm going with this now... I've managed to derail completely.
Now getting back on track... I keep telling myself I'll catch DACARA when they play Manchester as they have put on so many shows recently that looked like they have had amazing turn outs but for some reason whenever they are due to play, I'm always busy or have some sort of incident come up and that's not me making excuses genuinely always seems to be a case that my time and their local shows NEVER align, which is slightly disheartening. I've never seen a bad clip of their shows in all honesty and it's always piqued my interest on these guys. Any band that can do a great cover of 'Megalovania' rates high in my books, I won't go off topic again as I swear to Santa Clause himself if I start getting going on Undertale... I might as well just end this article here.
In terms of this video release, I've absolutely loved it. For me, personally it ticks so many boxes. Is it something bold and new for a band from Manchester? I'd say definitely. I can think of so many bands that have come from Manchester who are thriving but I can't think of any that have brought this sort of unique flare to their music and presentation. I'm genuinely excited for DACARA's future and a collaboration with Jonathan Young, RichaadEB, or Caleb Hyles would be incredible just a FYI. There needs to be more artists blending the lines between the gaming and nerdy universes along with metal. It's a fucking amazing and glorious thing and there's a massive audience out there for it and more need to discover the likes of these artists.
So who are DACARA?
Dacara are a rising metal band from Manchester, UK, known for their high-energy performances, gritty sound, and growing presence in the UK rock/metal scene. They’ve built momentum through festival appearances, headline shows, and new releases that showcase their underground-meets-mainstream appeal. Combining themes of both those of a serious matter whilst still being able to throw out bangers with high reference to the gaming world and other nerdy subjects they truely show that they can bring versatility to the table - and do it well.
Having appeared at Download Festival and having coverage on BBC Radio 1 this year, and more festivals on the cards for 2026, DACARA are on the cusp of bursting onto the mainstream rock and metal circuit.
For more information on DACARA visit them on facebook >HERE< or check out their official website at DACARA - OFFICIAL WEBSITE
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