In the liminal space where dreams flirt with reality and light dissolves into shadow, Acid Magus, Pretoria’s own experimental rock mavericks, emerge with Scatterling Empire, a monumental ode to defiance, culture, and the unrelenting spirit of resistance. Set to release on 21 February 2025 via Mongrel Records, the album is an intricate tapestry of sound, philosophy, and storytelling—a psychedelic journey through the fragmented pieces of history and humanity.
The inspiration for Scatterling Empire is deeply rooted in the complexities of human history, particularly the devastation wrought by colonial conquest. “We all feel oppressed at times. That feeling resonates with the stories of conquest throughout human history,” the band reflects. “Colonialism and its unquenchable thirst to conquer culture and uniqueness has threatened the very fibre of what makes us who we are. These musings quickly led to the beginnings of a fantastical tale suited to a psychedelic doom soundtrack.”
From the thunderous opening riffs to the haunting final notes of “Haven,” the album invites listeners to question, reflect, and imagine a world where culture and identity stand resilient.
The band’s creative process for Scatterling Empire was a collaborative evolution of their signature DIY approach. Guitarist Keenan laid the groundwork with home demos, which were further developed by drummer Jethro and vocalist Rico, each infusing their unique touch. “This time, we took everything into the studio for the first time,” they share. High Seas Studios, under the skilful hands of Jacques Du Plessis, provided the perfect environment to harness Acid Magus’s raw energy while refining it into a sonic masterpiece.
Known for seamlessly blending genres like doom, stoner, psych, punk, and classic rock, Acid Magus pays homage to their heroes—Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Kyuss, and Hendrix—while carving a space all their own. With Scatterling Empire, they expand their sound into “fast, slow, heavy, moving, and massive” territories, creating an album that is both unyielding and introspective.
True to their ethos, Acid Magus leaves the interpretation of Scatterling Empire to its audience. Yet, the underlying message resonates powerfully. “We should meet each other in the middle, cast our differences aside, and attempt to live in peace,” the band explains. But they do not shy away from lamenting the lives and cultures lost to history’s injustices. This duality culminates in “Haven,” a closing track both haunting and profound, embodying the yearning of displaced people for a home that may never be reclaimed.
Heavy, impassioned, and unapologetically authentic, this album is an invitation to question, rebel, and transcend.
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