South African heavy rock band Acid Magus unveils new album »Scatterling Empire« today via Mongrel Records!
Pretoria, South Africa based heavy rock band Acid Magus has just released their third studio album »Scatterling Empire« today, February 21st, 2025 via Mongrel Records.
The band comments: “»Scatterling Empire« out now! Our third album is finally available to stream pretty much everywhere, smash this album in one sitting if you can, and let us know what you think.
Thank you to Tyrone Le Roux for his relentless and invaluable creative contributions. Giving our music a physical form. Thank you to High Seas Studios for recording, mixing and mastering. Jacques you the man! Cheers to Warren and Mongrel Records for their continued support.
And lastly to those dedicated fans who have come with us since day one. Be sure to check out our Bandcamp page for merch and vinyl updates.”
Tracklist:
01. War
02. Incantations
03. Wytch
04. Ascendancy
05. Emperor
06. Citadel
07. Absolution
08. Haven
Courtesy of Plug Music Agency:
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.
Buy / Stream »Scatterling Empire«
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.
Composed and produced by Acid Magus.
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Jacques Du Plessis at High Seas Studios.
Acendancy and Absolution recorded and mixed by Keenan Kinnear.
Hand drawn art concept and direction by Tyrone Le Roux-Atterbury.
Acid Magus is:
Keenan Kinnear – Guitars
Roelof Van Tonder – Bass Guitar
Jethro Vlag – Drums
Anrico Jeske – Vocals
Brendon Bezuidenhout – Guitars and Backing Vocals
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well