EXO’s legacy and myth-making power have always been undeniable. Since their 2012 debut with an otherworldly concept that changed idol storytelling, the group has become synonymous with cinematic world-building, strong vocals, and pop that never plays it safe. From hits like Growl, Monster, and Love Shot to sold-out world tours and million-selling albums, EXO have long ruled as creators of a stunning spectacle and sound.

A couple of days ago, EXO made their long-awaited return with their eighth full-length studio album, REVERXE, their first new release in over two and a half years. The album is a brand-new chapter in EXO’s expanding universe, offering a new take on the idea of “reverse” as the rebirth of a world that once lay dormant, now awakening once more.

Ahead of the album’s release, fans were given two tantalising previews of what was to come. The emotional winter ballad I’m Home was unveiled during EXO’s fan meeting concert, offering comfort and warmth, while Back It Up brought a completely different energy to the stage at the Melon Music Awards, showing that EXO were ready to return with power.

Leading the charge is the title track Crown, a dance anthem that combines Atlanta trap rhythms, heavy metal guitar riffs, and explosive EDM synths. Driven by EXO’s dramatic vocal delivery, the song compares a loved one to a precious crown, something to be protected at all costs. Visually and sonically, the track delivers a comeback worthy of royalty, also bringing symbolic elements from EXO’s lore directly into the choreography and music video for fans who’ve followed their universe from the very beginning.

But REVERXE doesn’t stop there.

The album moves forward with Back It Up, a bold, bass-heavy track packed with beat switches and swagger, followed by Crazy, which mixes electronic pop with Brazilian funk influences and shifting tempos. It’s a reminder that even more than a decade into their career, EXO are still unafraid to experiment.

On the emotional side, Suffocate delivers heartbreak over house beats, while Moonlight Shadows paints a cinematic picture of two souls meeting beneath the night sky. Back Pocket is a wonderful, smooth R&B track with funky bass and guitar riffs, and Touch & Go charms with playful lyrics that liken falling in love to a chain of dominoes collapsing one by one. The pop-rock track Flatline adds yet another texture to the album’s diverse soundscape, before everything comes full circle with the gentle, heartfelt I’m Home, closing the album on a note of warmth and gratitude

REVERXE follows 2023’s EXIST, EXO’s seventh million-selling album, which earned praise for its vocal maturity and silky R&B focus. With this new release, the group embracing their identity while pushing into fresh sonic territory.

And once again, EXO are ready to lead the way.

Featured image courtesy of SM Entertainment

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