Austin-based metalcore band Bridges Ablaze are keeping their momentum strong with the release of their latest music video for “Heartless”, which premiered via Substream Magazine. Following the success of their 2024 singles “Take Me”, “Heartbroken Angel”, “Numb”, and “Apocalypse”—the latter racking up over 92 million plays on TikTok—the duo is proving they are a force to be reckoned with in the rock scene. This acts as the follow-up to their previous single, “Take Me”.
The “Heartless” music video delivers a visually striking and emotionally charged experience, intertwining both performance and narrative elements to enhance the song’s raw intensity. The track itself was written by Bridges Ablaze, with Robby Joyner co-writing and producing. The video, directed by Wade Concienne with Joshua Calhoun as Director of Photography, stars Bridges Ablaze alongside Casey Barbine and Mike Montalto, who appears as the bassist in the performance segments.
Known for pushing the boundaries of their sound, the band described “Heartless” as one of their rawest and most emotionally vulnerable tracks to date, exploring themes of loss, heartbreak, and despair. Musically, it blends heavy-hitting instrumentals with melodic depth, creating a sonic powerhouse that grips listeners from the first note.
Visually, the video is both moody and cinematic, intensifying the song’s emotional weight. The performance segments showcase Brien Allen and Ruben Zamora playing with fierce passion, completely immersed in the stormy atmosphere as heavy rain pours down, amplifying the song’s emotional depth. The narrative follows Casey Barbine, who appears in a flowing black dress, collapsed on the muddy ground with an ethereal glow rising from her. Slowly, she pushes herself up and begins moving forward, trudging through the thick mud as if fighting against an invisible force. But as she presses on, she collapses once more, her body sinking into the earth, fully embracing the weight of despair.
As the video intensifies, Ruben Zamora experiences a moment of raw emotional release, one that feels almost supernatural. Overwhelmed by an internal battle, he clenches his fists and channels an immense surge of energy, visually represented by white wisps flaring from his body. It’s a moment reminiscent of a video game power-up or a superhero transformation, like an eruption of pain and anguish physically manifesting before him. With a newfound resolve, he steps forward, reaching out to Casey, their hands finally connecting. The final shot captures them walking away together, hand in hand, leaving an air of both sorrow and hope lingering in their wake.
The instrumental break is a jaw-dropping showcase of technical mastery, particularly in the guitar work. As the song reaches its climax, the guitars erupt into a flurry of lightning-fast notes, each one played with absolute precision. The camera captures Ruben Zamora’s fingers moving frenetically across the fretboard, crafting intricate, repetitive melodies that intensify with each passing second. Their picking hand moves at breakneck speed, driving the song forward with electrifying momentum.
Meanwhile, the lead guitar soars, bending and wailing with an emotional ferocity, perfectly complementing the relentless rhythm work. Beneath it all, thunderous drumming and Mike Montalto’s deep basslines anchor the track, ensuring that the full-band experience remains as hard-hitting as ever. It’s a moment that doesn’t just showcase their musicianship—it demands attention, cementing Bridges Ablaze as a force to be reckoned with in the modern metalcore scene. Anyone lucky enough to see them live can expect this same level of precision, energy, and sheer musical power—an experience not to be missed.
Talking about the track in an Instagram post, Bridges Ablaze said: “This is one of the rawest songs we’ve written to date. It’s a ballad dedicated to loss, heartbreak, and despair. Musically, it’s a sonic amalgamation and is probably our heaviest, yet most melodic song yet.”
Comprised of Brien Allen and Ruben Zamora, Bridges Ablaze came together in a serendipitous meeting at a Guitar Center in Austin, Texas. Both musicians followed vastly different paths before fate intervened: Zamora had initially considered a military career before committing to music full-time, while Allen was studying Petroleum Sciences at the University of Texas when his passion for music took over. Recognising their shared drive and talent, they formed Bridges Ablaze in 2019, quickly making waves with a hard-hitting cover of 30 Seconds to Mars’ “The Kill.”
The band has since cultivated a dedicated fanbase, bolstered by their electrifying sound and social media presence, amassing over 28 million plays on TikTok. Their collaboration with producer Robby Joyner (known for his work with Fire From The Gods) further refined their explosive sound, helping them carve out a distinctive space in the modern rock and metalcore landscape.
With an ever-growing discography and an unwavering commitment to their craft, Bridges Ablaze continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences worldwide. If “Heartless” is any indication of what’s to come, the future looks bright—and undeniably heavy—for this rising rock duo.