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 and stream the album at https://orcd.co/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.

More information at https://www.facebook.com/acidmagus

Prepare to descend into the depths of sonic chaos and transcendence as Pretoria’s very own Acid Magus releases their latest single, Wytch, from their eagerly anticipated third studio album out via Mongrel Records. Known for their self-proclaimed “garage doom on shrooms” sound, the band takes listeners on an intense journey that blends the psychedelic energy of psych rock with the crushing weight of doom metal.

Wytch marks the introduction of the protagonist in what promises to be a compelling concept album. This track sets the stage for a narrative steeped in corruption, loss, and the indomitable strength of community. The rise of an empire and the birth of an unlikely people’s champion are explored through haunting melodies, frenetic rhythms, and the band’s signature doom-laden riffs.

Buy and stream the single at https://orcd.co/wytch

For the first time in their discography, Acid Magus delves into the dark, abrasive world of black metal, adding a new layer of intensity to their already formidable sound. The inclusion of new drummer Jethro Vlag has brought a fresh dynamic to the band, with his prowess behind the kit elevating the music to new heights. Vlag’s contributions shine throughout Wytch, capturing a sound that oscillates between frenetic energy, simple beauty, and bone-crushing weight.

Acid Magus’ upcoming album is shaping up to be their most ambitious project yet. While details of the full album remain under wraps, Wytch offers a tantalizing glimpse into what fans can expect— an aural exploration of epic proportions that pushes the boundaries of what doom metal can be.

More information at https://www.facebook.com/acidmagus

ACID MAGUS, the fearless experimental rock ensemble hailing from Pretoria, South Africa, is thrilled to announce the release of their latest single, a monumental reworking of two of their original tracks, “Wyrd Syster” and “Rituals” out today via Mongrel Records.
 
Known for their genre-defying sound, Acid Magus draws inspiration from an eclectic mix of influences, spanning the realms of doom, stoner, punk, psych, and classic rock. Paying homage to rock legends like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, as well as contemporary behemoths like Kyuss and Sleep, the band weaves a sonic tapestry that encapsulates the spirit of rock music across the decades.

The upcoming single, “Curse Of The Wyrd Syster,” is a revisitation of the tracks from Acid Magus’s debut album, also titled “Wyrd Syster.” Originally conceived as a single song, “Wyrd Syster” and “Rituals” were separated for the album release, only to be reunited in a powerful live performance. Now, with the addition of new members Rico on vocals and Bez on guitars, the band has re-recorded the epic track in their current drop C tuning, adding extra layers and new elements to enhance the experience.

Buy / stream the single at https://orcd.co/curse-of-the-wyrd-syster

The recording process for “Curse Of The Wyrd Syster” maintained Acid Magus’s signature DIY ethos, with a focus on capturing the raw and impassioned energy that defines their live performances. Rico’s vocals, delivered with ease and intensity, showcase the band’s commitment to authenticity. The addition of Bez’s improvised solo and former bassist Jarryd’s synth pads, programmed just before his departure, further elevate the track, creating an immersive and atmospheric journey.
 
Commenting on the message behind the single, Acid Magus emphasizes that the core theme remains unchanged – “a celebration and reverence for the eternal life symbolized by women.” The band asserts that women should be revered, a sentiment that has resonated since the original release of the tracks.
 
“Curse Of The Wyrd Syster” not only captures the evolution of Acid Magus’s sound but also serves as a testament to the band’s growth and adaptability. Fans can expect a journey that spans the depths of heavy and soft, slow, and fast, all delivered straight from the heart of Acid Magus.

More information at https://www.facebook.com/acidmagus

In a sonic voyage that transcends the boundaries of conventional music, ACID MAGUS, the South African progressive psychedelic doom quintet, is thrilled to announce the release of a captivating lyric video for “A Planet, A Deathstar,” the fourth track from their highly praised sophomore album, “Hope Is Heavy” out now on Mongrel Records. For fans of All Them Witches and those who revel in the atmospheric realms of psychedelic doom, Acid Magus promises an immersive journey through hauntingly beautiful soundscapes.
 
“A Planet, A Deathstar” opens with hauntingly delicate acoustic guitars, creating an atmospheric and desolate ambiance that draws the listener into a sonic abyss. The track then unfolds into an expansive cascade of stoner/grunge rock-inspired riffs, showcasing Acid Magus’ masterful ability to blend contrasting elements seamlessly. The lyrics, delivered with evocative intensity, invite fans to join the band on a quest for meaning hidden between the lines.

The lyric video, a visual masterpiece crafted by the talented Marthinus Kirsten, complements the song’s ethereal nature. Kirsten’s artistic interpretation adds a layer of visual depth, enhancing the overall experience and allowing fans to further immerse themselves in the profound narrative woven by Acid Magus.

The members of Acid Magus include Keenan Kinnear, Roelof Van Tonder, Anrico Jeske, Brendon Bezuidenhout, and Jethro Vlag. Their collective synergy has given rise to “Hope Is Heavy,” an album that has garnered critical acclaim for its innovative approach to the progressive psychedelic doom genre.
 
“A Planet, A Deathstar” is a testament to the band’s ability to weave together diverse musical elements into a cohesive and mesmerizing tapestry.

Buy and stream ‘Hope Is Heavy‘ album at https://orcd.co/hope-is-heavy

Critics and reviewers from renowned music publications have already heaped praise upon the band’s new masterpiece:
 
“The future is bright for these bruisers.” – 8/10 Metal Hammer
 
“The six tracks that make up Hope Is Heavy are a thoroughly immersive experience.” – 7/10 Classic Rock Magazine
 
” Acid Magus are an exciting prospect in the global doom, heavy psych and stoner scenes and Hope Is Heavy is a tremendous sophomore effort that is sure to pull in a host of new fans. Poignant, powerful, and captivating, it is an excellent album to get lost in and ponder your own existence.” – 9/10 Distorted Sound Magazine

More information at https://www.facebook.com/acidmagus