Havok Draw from George Orwell’s 1984 for New Single, “Ingsoc”

For reasons that don’t need explaining, George Orwell’s 1984 has once again come to the forefront of the public’s collective consciousness. Sales of the 1949 dystopian classic skyrocketed after Kellyanne Conway’s recent “alternative facts” debacle, and just yesterday it was announced that an acclaimed British stage adaptation of the novel is moving to Broadway.

Havok, however, are the first metal band to mine 1984 for inspiration in the post-Trump era. Their new single “Ingsoc,” may contain some of the genre’s most overt references to the book. For one thing, the very title is taken from name of the political party that runs the totalitarian government in the story. For another, frontman Dave Sanchez begins every chorus with a literal shout-out to Big Brother (Ingsoc’s leader in the novel, not the reality show, you dopes). He also ends every chorus by declaring “It’s 1984!”.

Between “Ingsoc” and “Hang ‘Em High,” the song Havok released on inauguration day, it’s safe to say that know what topic will be the focus of the band’s new album, Conformicide. It’s good to know they’re carrying the torch for Slayer as we perfer to remember them in more ways than one.

And, hey, even if you don’t agree with the political aspect of “Ingscoc,” you can still enjoy it, ’cause it rocks like a mutha.

Check out “Ingsoc” below. Conformicide out March 10 on Century. Pre-order it here.