Pal Kovacs, a fan of rock and metal band Bring Me The Horizon, stumbled upon a hidden message while listening to the band’s new album. Intrigued by the possibility of a riddle or encrypted code, Kovacs discovered a spectrogram in the audio itself using the app Audacity. The spectrogram turned out to be a scannable QR code, leading to a hidden hacking-themed website.
Upon accessing the website, Kovacs found that it was an alternate reality game (ARG) designed to engage fans with the band’s music and lore. The website contained unreleased tracks, password-protected files, and various mysteries and Easter eggs. Fans quickly joined in the chase, forming a dedicated Discord server and collaborating on a Google Doc to uncover all the secrets within the site.
However, the excitement surrounding the game also attracted unwanted attention. On the first day, someone attempted to hack into the website, prompting the developers to temporarily take it down and issue a warning. The warning message from M8, the album’s guide, expressed disappointment in those who hacked the site, as it spoiled the thrill of discovery for everyone.
The developers did not elaborate on what they meant by “hacking into the server” or identify the responsible party. Sony Music Entertainment, Bring Me The Horizon’s record label, remained silent on the matter. Some fans who legitimately found an email address on the site received warning messages after their attempts to contact it, implying that their actions were considered unauthorized access.
The email urged fans to play fair and emphasized the importance of patience in enjoying the journey together. It warned that continued hacking attempts would result in permanent blocking from accessing any part of the website. The fans were encouraged to respect the game’s intended pace and not spoil the experience for others.
As fans continue to work together to unravel the remaining mysteries and solve the puzzles within the ARG, it remains to be seen what other surprises await them on the hidden website. The engagement and dedication of the fans demonstrate the power of alternate reality games in fostering a sense of community and deepening the connection between artists and their audience.