Sayart.net - Ateez Returns with ＂Outlaw＂: Boy Band Ready to Shake Up the World in Fiery Comeback

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The global music scene is about to witness the sizzling and spicy return of South Korean boy band Ateez, as they unleash their latest episode in the highly anticipated "The World" album series. Titled "The World EP.2: Outlaw," this ninth EP marks the eight-piece's comeback after a six-month hiatus following the release of their first single, "Spin Off: From the Witness," in December.

In a press showcase event held in Seoul on Thursday, a day prior to the album's release, Ateez's members expressed their excitement and confidence in the new album. The release comes amidst the band's ongoing "The Fellowship: Break the Wall" world tour, which kicked off in October.

"We've thought a lot and prepared hard and feel confident that we have an album boasting of high quality. We can't wait to show everything we have ready," said Hong Joong, the band's leader.

Front and center in the six-track album is the electrifying dance track, "Bouncy," where the boys flaunt their spiciness and express their desire to shake up the world. The band's rappers, Hong Joon and Min Gi, played a role in writing the song's lyrics.

"Last year, we began our 'The World' series, through which we declare a big change to this world. With the previous album, 'Movement,' we made a small, subtle move. This time, we've become bolder," shared Yeo Sang.

The title song, according to Hong Joong, unravels the message that they can change the world with their spicy yet straightforward music. "We packed it with Ateez's identity," he added. The members aimed to showcase a more relaxed and enjoyable side of themselves, reflecting the fun they had during the production, recording, practice, and music video shooting process.

In addition to the title track, the album features other dynamic songs like "This World," "Dune," "Django," "Wake Up," and "Outlaw." Ateez treated fans to performances of the title song and "Outlaw" during the event.

Since their debut in 2018 as the first group under KQ Entertainment, Ateez has captured global fandom with their exceptional performance flair and powerful hip-hop sound. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the band embarked on two world tours, "The Fellowship: Beginning of the End" from January to July 2022, and "The Fellowship: Break the Wall" from October 2022 to June 2023, concluding with encore concerts in South Korea and Japan.

The band is set to continue their latest series with performances in Asian and South American cities from July to September.

Reflecting on their rigorous schedule, the members acknowledged the fatigue but highlighted their unwavering dedication to their fans. "We're able to work more sincerely in everything we do because of the thought of showing what we've prepared to our fans," expressed Jong Ho.

San added, "Our fans invigorate us. We always think about how we could return their love. That's why we've made a comeback so fast even though we have so many projects planned out this year already. Seeing the fans is what matters the most."

With their previous EP, "The World EP.1: Movement," reaching a record high of No. 3 on the Billboard 200, Ateez aims for even greater success this time around.

Sayart.net

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com