NYC heavy trio CHAKA has dropped their thunderous new single “It’s Not Human”, a primal assault of groove and aggression that marks the first release from their upcoming debut full-length album, “Amplifying the Past”, due out later this year.
Formed as a studio project and now evolved into a live sonic force, CHAKA has deep roots in Queens’ metal and hardcore scene. Founding bassist and vocalist Mark Sokoll, a veteran of bands like Darkside NYC and Terminal Confusion, is joined by longtime friends Mike C. (ex-White Trash) on drums and Frank P. (Lost Cause) on guitar. The band also collaborates remotely with Ireland-based guitarist Ty Canon, a childhood friend whose riffs continue to shape their recordings.
Lyrically, “It’s Not Human” presents a sonic excavation. The song delves into the real-life discovery of a Neanderthal tooth, a pivotal moment in tracing the human genome.
“It’s about evolution, science, and ancient ancestry,” says Sokoll. “We’ve always drawn inspiration from human origins, military history, and authors like Arthur C. Clarke and Carl Sagan.”
Musically, the track is a relentless juggernaut—starting abruptly, rushing forward with thrash intensity, then turning dreamy before returning to a pummeling close.
The single’s artwork visually echoes this evolutionary theme, featuring crossed primitive weapons behind a grotesque DNA helix, flanked by dueling skulls—one ancient, one modern.
Listen to “It’s Not Human” now on all major streaming platforms.
Music Video – https://youtu.be/mAHodHd773o
Spotify – https://bit.ly/46AwqtL
Set for release later this year, “Amplifying the Past” represents CHAKA‘s most dynamic and collaborative work to date.
“This record expands on our earlier sound but lets the songs breathe more. We want listeners to feel like they’ve been on a cathartic, headbanging ride,” adds Sokoll.
The band’s style is best described in five words: Primal. Loud. Heavy. Aggressive. Groovy. Drawing on influences like Black Sabbath, Carnivore, Motorhead, and Celtic Frost, CHAKA delivers raw, no-frills metal with a scientific twist.
On stage, CHAKA amplifies their sound even further. Fans can expect not just volume, but presence.
“We’re a loud trio—maybe even louder than four or five-piece bands. We’re all in our 50s, but we don’t hold back.”
Despite geographical distance—band members live in New York, New Jersey, and Ireland—CHAKA thrives on modern file-sharing and old-school chemistry as the trio has known each other for over 40 years. That connection fuels their sound.
More singles and videos will follow as the band finalizes the LP. CHAKA also promises future EPs and extended releases, all staying true to their mission: making music that’s as thoughtful as it is heavy.
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