Monument of Misanthropy, the international brutal death metal ensemble, has recently premiered their new lyric video for ‘How To Make A Killer.’ This track is the inaugural single from their impending album ‘Vile Postmortem Irrumatio,’ which also signifies the band’s second studio full-length under the banner of Transcending Obscurity Records. The track’s mixing and mastering were expertly handled by Jei Doublerice of Doublerice Audio, while the video’s visual elements were crafted by BSA Graphics.
Monument of Misanthropy, a band that has etched its name in the annals of brutal death metal, has a rich and intriguing history. The band’s inception, evolution, and contributions to the genre offer a captivating narrative, replete with artistic innovation and unyielding dedication to their craft.
The genesis of Monument of Misanthropy can be traced back to 2010, when George “Misanthrope” Wilfinger, a seasoned drummer hailing from Austria, and Jean-Pierre Battesti, a French bassist, decided to amalgamate their musical prowess. Wilfinger, known for his work with Miasma and Raising the Veil, and Battesti, a former member of VxPxOxAxAxWxAxMxC, shared a common vision: to create music that was unapologetically brutal, yet nuanced and layered.
The duo soon enlisted the talents of Romain Goulon, a French drummer renowned for his work with Necrophagist and Disavowed. With this addition, the band’s lineup was solidified, and Monument of Misanthropy began to carve out its unique niche within the brutal death metal genre. Their music, characterized by its ferocious intensity and technical precision, quickly garnered attention within the metal community.
Monument of Misanthropy, in its journey through the brutal death metal landscape, has not only created music but also significantly impacted the cultural sphere of the genre. The band’s influence extends beyond their musical output, shaping the cultural narrative of brutal death metal and contributing to its broader societal understanding.
The cultural significance of Monument of Misanthropy is multifaceted, rooted in their unique approach to music creation and their commitment to authenticity. The band’s music, characterized by its raw intensity and technical precision, has challenged conventional notions of what brutal death metal can be. By incorporating elements of melody and complexity into their compositions, the band has expanded the genre’s musical vocabulary, pushing its boundaries and encouraging innovation.
Moreover, Monument of Misanthropy’s lyrical content has also contributed to their cultural significance. The band’s lyrics often delve into themes of misanthropy, nihilism, and existentialism, offering a stark commentary on the human condition. This exploration of darker themes has resonated with listeners, providing a cathartic outlet for those grappling with similar feelings and experiences. In this way, the band’s music serves not only as entertainment but also as a form of emotional expression and connection.
The band’s commitment to authenticity has further bolstered their cultural impact. In an industry often criticized for its commercialization, Monument of Misanthropy has remained true to their artistic vision, prioritizing creative integrity over mainstream appeal. This dedication to authenticity has resonated with fans, reinforcing the value of artistic integrity within the brutal death metal community.
In 2012, the band released their debut demo, aptly titled ‘Bandroom Misanthropy.’ This offering served as a potent introduction to the band’s distinctive sound, blending relentless aggression with intricate musicianship. The debut was met with positive reception, with critics lauding the band’s ability to balance brutality with melody, and fans appreciating the raw, unfiltered energy that permeated each track.
Following the success of their debut demo, Monument of Misanthropy embarked on a series of live performances, sharing the stage with prominent acts such as Suffocation, Belphegor, and Hate. These performances further cemented the band’s reputation as a formidable force within the brutal death metal scene, showcasing their prowess not only as studio musicians, but also as live performers.
In 2014, the band released their first full-length album, ‘Anger Mismanagement.’ This release saw Monument of Misanthropy delving deeper into their brutal yet melodic sound, with tracks that were both more complex and more accessible than their previous work. ‘Anger Mismanagement’ was met with critical acclaim, with reviewers praising the band’s evolution while maintaining their signature intensity.
Monument of Misanthropy’s influence can also be seen in the band’s live performances. Their high-energy shows, marked by their technical prowess and unyielding intensity, have become a defining aspect of their identity. These performances not only showcase the band’s musical abilities but also contribute to the communal experience of brutal death metal, fostering a sense of unity and belonging among fans.
Furthermore, the band’s international composition, with members hailing from Austria and France, has contributed to the global reach of brutal death metal. Monument of Misanthropy’s success serves as a testament to the genre’s global appeal, demonstrating that brutal death metal transcends geographical boundaries. This international influence has helped to diversify the brutal death metal scene, fostering a sense of global community within the genre.
In essence, the cultural significance of Monument of Misanthropy extends beyond their musical output. The band’s approach to music creation, their exploration of darker themes, their commitment to authenticity, their electrifying live performances, and their international influence have all contributed to their cultural impact. Through their work, Monument of Misanthropy has shaped the cultural narrative of brutal death metal, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.
With regards to their newest video single ‘How To Make A Killer,’ frontman Wilfinger provides insight into the new track and the upcoming album. He explained that ‘How To Make A Killer’ serves as the introductory track from their forthcoming album ‘Vile Postmortem Irrumatio.’ The album delves into the life and crimes of the notorious American serial killer Edmund Kemper III, much like their previous album ‘Unterweger.’ The new full-length is structured akin to a Netflix true-crime documentary, offering a multilayered and multifaceted exploration of Kemper’s life and his heinous acts.
The musical composition of the song, crafted by Paul Nazarkadeh, encapsulates the quintessential Monument Of Misanthropy death metal sound, replete with mood shifts and compelling riffs. They are thrilled to offer this initial glimpse into the sonic landscape of their new album. A subsequent single, penned by our new guitarist Julius Kössler of Spire Of Lazarus, is set to be released later this summer. This track veers towards a more progressive and technical direction, while maintaining the brutal intensity that is characteristic of their music.
The band is targeting a 2023 release for the ‘Vile Postmortem Irrumatio’ via Transcending Obscurity Records. Much like its predecessor ‘Unterweger,’ the new album is a concept piece centered around a serial killer. For this installment, the band has chosen to focus on the chilling life of American serial killer Ed Kemper. Known as the Co-ed Killer, Kemper’s victims were predominantly female college students who were hitchhiking in Santa Cruz County, California.
Edmund Emil Kemper III, known as Ed Kemper, is a figure of notoriety in the annals of American criminal history. Born on December 18th, 1948, in Burbank, California, Kemper’s life was marked by a tumultuous family environment, characterized by a domineering mother and absent father. This early familial discord is often cited as a contributing factor to the development of his violent tendencies.
In his adolescence, Kemper exhibited signs of abnormal behavior, including cruelty to animals—a common early indicator of violent propensities. His first victims were his paternal grandparents, whom he murdered at the age of 15. This act resulted in his commitment to the Atascadero State Hospital, a maximum-security facility that housed mentally ill convicts.
During his incarceration, Kemper demonstrated a high degree of intelligence, with an IQ reported to be 145. He used this intelligence to manipulate his way to an early release in 1969, convincing psychiatrists that he was rehabilitated. This decision would have dire consequences, as Kemper’s violent tendencies had not abated.
Between 1972 and 1973, Kemper embarked on a murderous spree that claimed the lives of six female hitchhikers, his mother, and her friend. His modus operandi involved picking up hitchhikers, driving them to secluded areas, and then killing them. He would often decapitate his victims and engage in necrophilia, a grim testament to his depravity.
Kemper’s reign of terror ended in April 1973 when he turned himself in to the authorities. His confession was initially met with disbelief due to his calm demeanor and the gruesome nature of his crimes. However, subsequent investigations corroborated his claims, leading to his conviction.
In the ensuing trial, Kemper was found guilty of eight counts of first-degree murder. He requested the death penalty, but due to the suspension of capital punishment in California at the time, he was instead sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Kemper’s case has been the subject of extensive analysis by criminologists and psychologists. His high intelligence, manipulative abilities, and the sheer brutality of his crimes have made him a case study in the field of criminal psychology. His life and crimes have also been dramatized in popular culture, most notably in the Netflix series ‘Mindhunter,’ where he is portrayed as a chilling yet articulate figure.
‘Vile Postmortem Irrumatio’ continues Monument of Misanthropy’s tradition of exploring dark and complex themes in their music. Their decision to focus on the life of Ed Kemper further underscores their commitment to pushing the boundaries of brutal death metal, both in terms of musical composition and thematic content. The band’s innovative approach to concept albums, as demonstrated by their previous and upcoming releases, contributes to their unique place within the genre.
Furthermore, the band’s collaboration with Ukrainian artist Andriy Tkalenko for the album artwork highlights their commitment to artistic integrity and their willingness to collaborate with artists from diverse backgrounds. This international collaboration not only contributes to the global reach of brutal death metal but also enriches the visual aspect of Monument of Misanthropy’s work.
As Monument of Misanthropy prepares for the release of ‘Vile Postmortem Irrumatio,’ they continue to shape the cultural narrative of brutal death metal. Their music serves not only as a form of artistic expression but also as a commentary on the darker aspects of the human condition. As they continue to release new music and evolve their sound, Monument of Misanthropy’s cultural impact within the brutal death metal scene is set to grow even further.
This recent development further underscores the cultural significance of Monument of Misanthropy. Their commitment to exploring dark themes and pushing the boundaries of brutal death metal continues with their new music. The band’s innovative approach to concept albums, as demonstrated by their upcoming release, contributes to their unique place within the genre. Their music serves not only as a form of artistic expression but also as a commentary on the darker aspects of the human condition. As they continue to release new music and evolve their sound, Monument of Misanthropy’s cultural impact within the brutal death metal scene is set to grow even further.
