With “This Is What It Feels Like,” Cries of Redemption step into new territory without losing the weight that has always defined their sound. At its core, the song is about long-term sobriety and the truth that healing does not erase the past. It is about learning to live with the ghost of who you were. That theme alone gives the track emotional gravity, but what makes this release stand out is the way it is delivered—especially through Maria Duque’s voice.
From the first chorus, it is clear this is not business as usual. Maria’s vocal performance is the heart of the song. Her delivery is powerful but controlled, emotional without slipping into melodrama. The Broadway-inspired layered harmonies—six voices stacked into a thick, dramatic ensemble—create a huge, almost theatrical lift. It feels bold. It feels intentional. Instead of simply floating over heavy guitars, her voice commands the space. Ed Silva makes a noticeable production choice here. The guitars are present, but they sit lower in the mix, almost acting as rhythm and texture rather than the main force. That decision allows the vocals to stay front and center. Strings and subtle orchestral elements add depth, giving the track a cinematic edge while still holding onto the project’s nu-metal roots. The contrast between melodic vocals and harsher elements creates tension, but it never feels chaotic for the sake of it. It feels purposeful.
There have been comparisons in the past to bands like Evanescence or Lacuna Coil, but this track pushes beyond that shadow. The Broadway-style choral approach gives Cries of Redemption a clearer identity. It feels like a reset moment, or at least a turning point. “This Is What It Feels Like” is heavy, not just in sound but in meaning. It does not glamorize struggle. It acknowledges scars and chooses to move forward anyway. Most of all, it marks Maria Duque not just as a featured vocalist, but as a defining force in the next chapter of Cries of Redemption.
English