Band leans into genre diversity, teamwork and evolving ideas of what it means to be a “hero”
Since their 2021 debut, the K-pop rock band Xdinary Heroes has forged a distinctive reputation for its wide musical spectrum — often lauded as a “melting pot” of genres. From emotive rock ballads to powerful hard rock and alternative metal, the band consistently pushes its sonic boundaries.
This genre-bending approach culminates in “Dead And,” the talented boy band’s seven-track eighth EP, set for release this Friday. While still diverse, this newest EP uniquely places a stronger emphasis on sonic cohesion compared to their earlier works.
“We always strive to include a variety of genres, particularly with our dynamic live performances in mind,” explained Junhan during Wednesday’s round interview at a cafe in Seongdong-gu, eastern Seoul. “But for ‘Dead And,’ we prioritized making the entire album flow seamlessly from start to finish.”
Despite this focus on flow, musical diversity undeniably remains central to Xdinary Heroes’ identity.
“If you listen to each track individually, you might even question if they’re from the same album,” Gunil shared with a laugh. “We have powerful tracks like ‘Rise High Rise,’ featuring heavy guitar riffs and strong synth sounds, alongside ‘Helium Balloon,’ which evokes a classic British rock ballad feel.”
For the Xdinary Heroes members, this impressive musical range directly mirrors the group’s unique collective identity.
“Each of us brings different musical tastes, individual strengths, and distinct personalities,” stated bassist Jooyeon. “When these elements converge, they form the unique sound and ‘color’ of Xdinary Heroes.”
Jooyeon further highlighted the band’s distinctive six-member instrumental lineup as a significant advantage, empowering them to “explore more diverse genres and greatly expand” their musical capabilities.
True to their collaborative spirit, all six members are credited on every track of ‘Dead And,’ showcasing the group’s hands-on approach to songwriting and production.
“We went through numerous revisions for the lyrics, a process that spanned almost two to three months,” Gaon explained regarding the main track, “Voyager.” “In contrast to earlier works where one or two members typically led, all six of us collaboratively contributed to this track.”
This deeply collaborative songwriting process significantly reshaped his personal perspective.
“Initially, I believed a song crafted entirely by a single person would convey more sincerity,” he confessed. “However, working on ‘Voyager’ taught me otherwise. You truly don’t have to be alone to create something truly great and impactful.”
Keyboardist Jungsu also vividly recalled pushing the Xdinary Heroes band’s creative limits during the development of “Rise High Rise.”
“Our goal was to make it as hard-hitting and powerful as musically possible,” he stated. “Yet, simultaneously, we meticulously balanced that intensity with compelling melodic elements to ensure it wouldn’t become overwhelming for listeners.”
For synthesizer O.de, achieving that precise musical balance directly translated into an electrifying performance energy.
“We had immense fun crafting these songs,” he shared. “As a result, I believe they’ve become high-energy tracks perfect for jumping along to, offering listeners a truly enjoyable and immersive experience.”
Redefining What It Means to Be a ‘Hero’
The band’s impactful name — Xdinary Heroes, short for “Extraordinary Heroes” — fundamentally carries the powerful message that anyone can be a hero. Over time, the members shared how their understanding of this core idea has profoundly evolved.
“In our early days, I envisioned heroes as undeniably cool characters, much like the superheroes we see in movies,” Jungsu revealed. “There was an internal pressure to embody that idealized kind of figure.”
“However, as time progressed, I revisited our fundamental message: that everyone truly can be a hero,” he elaborated. “If our fans can see that we aren’t so different from them, and in turn feel empowered to be heroes themselves, then providing empathy and comfort truly defines what a hero does.”
Leader Gunil eloquently shared a similar, evolving perspective on heroism.
“I’ve come to realize that countless heroes exist all around us,” he affirmed. “Our dedicated staff, the incredible people working tirelessly behind the scenes, and everyone striving their best in their own unique roles. Even if their efforts go unseen by many, if you are pursuing something you genuinely believe is right, that inherently makes you a true hero.”
Since their impactful debut, Xdinary Heroes has solidified a reputation for electrifying and bold live performances, including a memorable set at Lollapalooza Chicago in July 2025, and by famously opening for the iconic British rock band Muse during their concert in Korea.
Following the highly anticipated release of “Dead And,” the Xdinary Heroes band is set to embark on their exciting “Xdinary Heroes Special Live in Europe & UK” tour, commencing May 31 in Manchester. Subsequent European tour stops include London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Milan, promising an unforgettable experience for fans.
