Emerging from the shadows of Pretoria’s Rock scene, Acid Magus unleash “Emperor,” the fiery second single from their upcoming album. Known for their intoxicating blend of Doom, Stoner, Punk and Psych Rock, Acid Magus has crafted a track that is both an intense journey into sound and a searing exploration of power’s dark allure.
In a swirl of distorted guitars, Heavy riffs, and hypnotic rhythms, “Emperor” introduces the album’s central antagonist-a power-hungry overlord who thrives on destruction. As a metaphor for colonialism and the erasure of culture, the Emperor embodies raw, destructive ambition. The track invites listeners to confront the brutality of conquest, with haunting lyrics that echo the relentless drive for control. Acid Magus’ characteristic musical grit and psychedelic edge deliver a visceral experience, drawing inspiration from the likes of Mastodon, Kylesa and Baroness, all while infusing their signature South African flair.
Stream the single “Emperor” through the Spotify player below:
Purchase and Stream the single here: https://orcd.co/_emperor
“Emperor” is also the shortest track on the upcoming album, offering a potent glimpse into the broader narrative Acid Magus has woven. With epic vocal cries and spine-chilling drops into sonic oblivion, the song encapsulates the wild thoughts of the loathsome “Emperor” himself, pulling listeners deeper into his tortured psyche. Acid Magus’ commitment to a raw, DIY approach comes through in every Heavy beat and spiraling riff, creating a sound that’s both timeless and immediately captivating.
“We wanted to capture the Emperor’s madness and the absolute corruption of power,” the band shares. “This song channels the darkness in humanity that few dare to confront. Psychosis never sounded this good.”
Fans of Zeppelin, Sabbath and the Heavy Psychedelia of modern bands like Slift will recognize Acid Magus‘ reverence for Rock’s legends, while newcomers to the genre will find themselves immersed in a hypnotic mix of styles, from 60s Psych to Alt-Rock intensity.
Lineup:
Keenan Kinnear / Guitars
Roelof Van Tonder / Bass
Brendon Bezuidenhout / Guitar and Vocals
Anrico Jeske / Lead Vocals
Jethro Vlag / Drums
