“Maggot Mass”: Pharmakon’s Return to Raw Sonic Exploration
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After a five-year hiatus, Pharmakon, the avant-garde project led by Margaret Chardiet, re-emerges with the much-anticipated album Maggot Mass, set for release on October 4th. This album heralds a significant transformation in Pharmakon’s sound, diving deeper into industrial and punk influences while retaining the raw, experimental essence that has defined the project over its 17-year journey.
The first single, “Wither and Warp,” introduces listeners to the unsettling yet captivating world of Maggot Mass. The track envelops us in a soundscape teeming with the relentless buzz of insects, ominous drones, and grimy guitar riffs. This sonic assault is a harbinger of the album’s thematic and stylistic shift, marking the death of the rigid structures that previously defined Pharmakon’s music. In its place, Chardiet crafts a reborn sound that melds industrial intensity with punk’s rebellious spirit, all while maintaining the vitriolic power electronics and noise elements that have become her signature.
Maggot Mass delves into the fractured relationship between humans and the natural world, highlighting the environmental degradation and existential loneliness that arise from this disconnect. Chardiet’s music serves as a brutal reflection on humanity’s systemic and personal culpability, urging listeners to confront the stark realities of our impact on the planet. The album’s visceral soundscape is a fitting backdrop for these themes, with each track evoking a sense of urgency and raw emotion.
This latest release signifies a pivotal moment for Pharmakon, showcasing a more varied vocal and lyrical approach that reflects Chardiet’s evolving artistic vision. The album’s industrial and punk influences bring a fresh edge to the project, while the experimental roots in power electronics and noise ensure that Pharmakon’s music remains as confrontational and thought-provoking as ever.
To support the release of Maggot Mass, Pharmakon will embark on a European tour this fall. Joining her on this tour are industrial gothic artist Lana Del Rabies and the harsh post-industrial band Kollaps, promising a series of performances that will be as intense and unforgettable as the album itself.
Maggot Mass is a bold statement from Pharmakon, a testament to Chardiet’s ability to push the boundaries of experimental music. By blending industrial and punk elements with her signature sound, she has created an album that is both a rebuke and a call to arms, challenging listeners to face the consequences of our actions and the state of our world. As Pharmakon continues to evolve, Maggot Mass stands as a powerful milestone in the project’s history, promising an exciting and uncompromising future for Chardiet’s music.
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