[Dispatch=Reporter Minzi Goo] "No matter what others say, I have the confidence that I'm the best. I thought it resembled xikers." (Minjae)

xikers took on rock. The confident attitude of rock that doesn't waver at others' gazes. xikers discovered their own image within it. They packed the energy of ten members into a rough sound.

This time, the music-making process itself was different. Leader Minjae took on title track production for the first time. He brought out the hidden charms of the members and incorporated xikers' own color.

"I thought now is the timing for xikers to overturn the world." (Minjae)

Their resolve is exceptional. 'Do or Die'. They incorporated the conviction they've maintained since debut into the new song. It's confidence to stand on stage with all their might, and a bold declaration to overturn the world.

xikers held a mini album 8 release showcase for 'ROUTE ZERO : The CALLING' at Myunghwa Live Hall in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul on the 2nd. It's their comeback after approximately five months.

◆ "Timing to Overturn the World"

The title track is 'DIENAMITE'. It's a rock genre song with rough and addictive guitar riffs standing out. It contains xikers' bold aspirations to break free from established order and move forward on a new path.

The song title itself is different. It's written as 'DIENAMITE' rather than the typical 'DYNAMITE'. They utilized the English word 'DIE' meaning 'to die'. It incorporated xikers' conviction of 'do or die'.

Minjae explained, "I thought now is the timing for xikers to overturn the world. Our team's motto is 'DO OR DIE'. I incorporated that meaning into the title as well."

'Go' is also full of energy. Junghoon said, "It's a song about moving toward high places without wavering at others' gazes." Hunter pointed out, "'Won' is confidence to break everything and stand at the peak."

Jinsik revealed, "'Mask Off' is the moment when we fearlessly shed our masks, and the board flips completely. It's a bold declaration we throw out to the world without hesitation." 'Dum' is a song freely enjoying the moment.

'Sanctuary' has a different atmosphere. Hyunwoo conveyed, "It expresses our sanctuary completed by leaning on each other even on unfamiliar paths. It connects to the entire album in that our existence becomes each other's strength."

◆ "Rock's Confidence, Ten Members' Colors"

The most notable change in this album is the members' level of participation. Leader Minjae took charge of the title track's lyrics, composition, and arrangement. A self-produced track being selected as the title track for the first time since debut.

Minjae said, "It was a goal I set before debut. I'm happy to be able to participate more deeply in production," and "It's very meaningful to be able to show a music style I wanted to try through xikers' song."

He focused on bringing out each member's individual charm. "I thought there were charms of members we haven't sufficiently shown to the public yet. I paid attention to melody and details so each could stand out in their own parts," he said.

He also introduced the reason for choosing rock. Minjae explained, "Rock musicians live with the confidence that 'I'm the best' no matter what others say. I thought that attitude resembled xikers."

Sumin and Yechan also participated in the title track's lyrics. Sumin revealed, "It was difficult to get the feel since it was my first encounter with the genre. Minjae had detailed requests too. I thought a lot to deliver good verses."

They completed a song everyone was satisfied with. Yechan added, "I thought about what kind of rap could best show our character. After preparing several versions, we completed the verse, so I'm even more attached to it."

◆ "The Stage is Our Foundation"

xikers was fearless on stage as well. Following the intense beat, they continuously changed their formations. Moving between dynamic choreography and restrained movements, they released explosive energy.

Particularly eye-catching was the scene of one member holding another member's microphone. It evoked an image of a rock vocalist standing before a standing microphone. They didn't miss the live performance even amid intense choreography.

Junmin said, "All choreography is a point," and "Please note the intensity control of the dance matched to the intense beat and lyrics." The members continuously changed their positions while displaying seamless teamwork.

Minjae felt the members' growth. "At first, it was about creating good results. During preparation, I saw the members growing. I felt how important the power of music and the mindset of those delivering it are," he said.

Seeun emphasized the basics of the stage. "Before debut, we prioritized the stage the most. Singing and performance are naturally things we must do well as singers," and "The time we've spent supporting each other with our members seems to have made our stage better," he conveyed.

Yechan said, "xikers has clear professionalism in each position—vocals, rap, performance, etc." and "We're confident we can show our own color on any stage," he said with emphasis.

◆ "The Path the Ten Will Walk Together"

xikers incorporated growth and challenge into this album. Minjae said, "I incorporated the foundation of xikers' music," and "We'll show our own rough and bold energy."

Hyunwoo revealed his trust in the members. "Every time we practice together, I remember our trainee days. I think everyone has grown," and "I become certain that the ten of us can stay together till the end," he said.

Their goal is a first-place win on music broadcasts. Hyunwoo said, "We've also set first place as our goal with the members this time," and "We could get here thanks to Rodie (fandom name). We'll do our best," he pledged.

They also received support from senior ATEEZ. Yujun conveyed, "Wooyoung hyung often buys us meals. This time too, he cheered me on saying, 'You always work hard and it looks good. Fighting!'"

Minjae urged listeners' anticipation. "We made efforts to more clearly incorporate xikers' unique color," and "Please look forward to the new journey the ten will unfold," he added.

Meanwhile, xikers will release their new album on major music sites at 6 p.m. that day. They will hold a fan showcase at 8 p.m.

▲ Minjae

▲ Junmin

▲ Sumin

▲ Jinsik

▲ Hyunwoo

▲ Junghoon

▲ Seeun

▲ Yujun

▲ Hunter

▲ Yechan

<Photo=Photographer Song Hyojin>