Asphyxium Zine: Single Review: Misanthropik Torment "Indigenous Lands" (SelfMadeRecords L.L.C) by Dave Wolff

Monday, January 8, 2024

Single Review: Misanthropik Torment "Indigenous Lands" (SelfMadeRecords L.L.C) by Dave Wolff

Band: Misanthropik Torment

Location: Lexington, Kentucky

Country: USA

Genre: Blackened death metal

Single: Indigenous Lands

Format: Digital track

Label: SelfMadeRecords L.L.C

Release date: December 25, 2023

Once again Misanthropik Torment releases new material relevant to the times. It was pointed out in this discussion of the "Declaration of War" that more people are speaking out via social media about information not available on national television. As a result in some cases, it's become evident that wealth can shield you from justice over the long term; just ask Harvey Weinstein.

A greater emphasis is also being placed on the position of Native American culture in the United States. Given this in particular, it's apt for Misanthropik Torment to release the single "Indigenous Lands" which addresses the worldwide issue of indigenous cultures losing their homelands and traditions.

"Our thoughts and our anger are with you," says the blurb just above the lyrics. "Rise up and take back what is yours." "Declaration of War" was MT's most brutal full-length release, besides being the most well-produced, inflammatory, and extensive in terms of musical influence. Regardless of whether you like or dislike this level of heaviness, the bottom line is that bands such as this should emphasize their heaviness, as well as their experimentation, in order to demonstrate the importance of generating some form of positive change, no matter how small.

There is no doubt that MT doesn't give a shit about going against veiled bias for heavy music, especially given the significance of the events occurring around us today. Controversial in nature as always, the lyrics address not only oppression, but the indifference and denial of the general public, and the divisions that arise when people take sides on any given issue.

There is quite a graphic quality to the lyrics; nothing new to death metal and extreme metal in most of their variants. However they’re not offensive for the sake of being offensive but serve the purpose of driving the song’s point home. They’re meant to leave a sense of discomfort in you in the hope that you understand how many cultures have been treated. In other words, if this single offends you, the band is more than doing their job. Check it out and decide for yourself. –Dave Wolff

Lineup:

Erik Leviathan: Vocals, lyrics

Jonathan Nesbitt: All instruments