xikers Claim "It's Time to Turn the World Upside Down" As They Unleash Punk Rock "DIENAMITE"

With their eighth mini album, "ROUTE ZERO : The CALLING," xikers embrace a rawer sound, explosive performances and a renewed determination to establish their musical identity.

Even before xikers stepped onto the stage to showcase "DIENAMITE" for the first ever time, the members' shouts of "fighting" could be heard from backstage. Moments later, the intensity of their choreography seemed to reverberate through the floor, offering an immediate glimpse of the energy behind their latest comeback.

On November 2, xikers held a media showcase at Myunghwa Live Hall in Seoul to introduce their eighth mini album, "ROUTE ZERO : The CALLING," marking their return approximately five months after "ROUTE ZERO : The ORA" in May.

Rather than simply introducing another chapter in their ongoing storyline, the group presented a comeback centered on returning to what they described as the fundamentals of their music, combining punk rock instrumentation, forceful rap deliveries and high-intensity choreography.

At the center of the release is "DIENAMITE," the first xikers title track produced by leader Minjae, who participated in its writing, composition and arrangement. Fellow members Sumin and Yechan also contributed to the lyrics.

For Minjae, the opportunity represented a milestone he had been working toward since before the group's debut.

"Being able to present a musical style and genre that I've always liked and wanted to try holds great personal meaning and being able to achieve it through xikers makes it even more meaningful," he said.

Described as a punk rock track driven by rough, addictive guitar riffs, "DIENAMITE" expresses the group's determination to break away from established expectations and forge its own path.

The song's rock instrumentation and prominent guitar passages distinguish it from the more electronic-driven arrangements commonly heard across contemporary K-POP releases.

Its aggressive rap sections, shifting instrumental textures and explosive choreography create a performance that feels deliberately unrestrained. Minjae explained that his decision to explore rock was closely connected to the group's identity.

"Its fundamental mindset and attitude felt very much like xikers," he said, explaining that the genre's unapologetic confidence reflected the attitude he wanted the members to embody.

He added that working as both a member and producer allowed him to approach the song with a detailed understanding of the group's individual strengths. He also emphasized that he wanted to highlight qualities that audiences might not yet have fully discovered, paying particular attention to their vocal tones, melodic lines and individual parts.

Sumin, who participated in writing the title track, admitted that it required particularly extensive work. Because the genre was relatively unfamiliar to him, he spent considerable time refining his verse while responding to Minjae's detailed direction.

Yechan similarly explained that he experimented with multiple versions of his rap before selecting the one he felt best represented the group's character.

The members' attention to detail extended beyond the recording studio as the group's synchronized choreography demonstrated the physical intensity that has become central to their performance identity.

Moreover, their music video adds another dimension to the group's exploration of rock.

No Brain vocalist Lee Sung-woo makes an appearance in the video, particularly during its guitar-focused sequence. Minjae explained that the group wanted to incorporate a figure from an earlier generation of Korean music to reinforce the album's theme of exploring musical roots.

According to Minjae, Lee readily accepted the invitation, although he did not participate in composing the song.

The title itself also carries a deliberate message as it combines the explosive imagery of dynamite with "die," referencing the group's earlier song "DO or DIE" and their determination to approach every stage with a do-or-die mentality. A philosophy that was evident throughout the group's discussion of live performance.

When asked why xikers place such emphasis on delivering powerful performances while maintaining audible live vocals, the members explained that performing has remained one of their most important priorities since their trainee days.

Yechan added that the group's confidence comes from the individual strengths of its members across vocals, rap and performance, which allow them to present a cohesive identity as a team.

Beyond the title track, "ROUTE ZERO : The CALLING" contains six songs: "DIENAMITE," "Go," "Mask off," "One," "DUMB" and "Sanctuary." It continues the storyline introduced in "ROUTE ZERO : The ORA" where the members began choosing their own direction after escaping a controlled world.

This latest chapter depicts them following a mysterious calling toward an unknown destination emphasizing trust, determination and the willingness to move forward together without knowing exactly where their journey will lead.

That sense of collective ambition also extends to the group's goals outside the album's fictional universe.

Hyunwoo revealed that the members had discussed their ambitions ahead of the comeback, including achieving their first music-show victory. While acknowledging the pressure that can accompany growing expectations, he emphasized their gratitude toward their fans, known as road𝓨, and their determination to give their best throughout promotions.

As labelmates of ATEEZ under KQ Entertainment, xikers have also developed a similarly high-energy approach to live performance. Yet their latest release places particular emphasis on defining what makes xikers distinctive, with Minjae taking a greater role in shaping the music itself.

In his closing remarks, Minjae emphasized that the album was intended to communicate the group's identity more clearly rather than introduce change for its own sake.

He explained that the members had worked to increase the album's overall quality while ensuring that its concept and musical experimentation remained connected to the world and identity they had established.

For xikers, "ROUTE ZERO : The CALLING" represents both a continuation of their journey and an opportunity to demonstrate how far they have developed as performers and musicians.

With a title track shaped by their own leader, an unapologetically punk rock-driven sound and a renewed commitment to live performance, the group appears determined to make its next chapter louder, bolder and unmistakably its own.

xikers' 8th Mini-Album "ROUTE ZERO : The CALLING" will be available on all major streaming services on Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. KST.