Exclusive Track Premiere: Monotheist’s “The Grey King,” Featuring Christian Älvestam (Ex-Scar Symmetry)

The first lyrics in “The Grey King,” the explosive new song from Floridian death metallers Monotheist, are “The pit is as vast as it is empty/ And the emptiness is its draw.” That’s a worldview which will instantly hit a nerve with many a metalhead (or just many a thinking human being, period), but it’s also a concise summary subject matter and general vibe. Couched in unyielding, tech-tinged death metal and featuring a special guest appearance by the great Christian Älvestam (ex-Scar Symmetry, Solution .45, Miseration), “The Grey King” is a poetic invitation to stare into, and ultimately, embrace the nothing. Also, to mosh your goddamn ass off.

Explains vocalist JJ “Shiv” Polachek (7 Horns 7 Eyes):

“Monotheist is made up of multiple people with different worldviews. Though it started as a very Christian band, it no longer could be accurately labeled that way. [Monotheist guitarist] Prophet very much still retains his faith, but he set me to write a song reflecting my own views, and ‘The Grey King’ is the result. A view of a universe that could be softly related to existential nihilism, if you had to call it something. It’s not scary or hopeless, but peaceful and with much knowledge to scrape from the battles that took place there. It’s an understanding of my own insignificance, and the lack of any narrative in the universe. It’s a freedom that I own, even if my kingdom is just grey, and only now made of the things I build it up to be myself. My intent is to rebuild myself better through it. Through a lens of self-criticism, with a goal of material understanding so I can contribute to justice on a human level however possible. Other songs on the album have largely been written by Prophet, and indeed reflect his views. This one is all mine, however. It all contributes to the great tapestry of sounds, thoughts, and influences that make up this album.”

MetalSucks is thrilled to debut “The Grey King,” which you can check out below! It will appear on Monotheist’s sophomore effort, Scourge, which was mixed and mastered by Shiv’s 7 Horns 7 Eyes bandmate, Aaron Smith. In addition to Älvestam, the album also features a guest appearance from Bobby Koelble (ex-Death, Death to All). The album comes out March 16 on Prosthetic Records via all digital outlets, compact disc, and limited edition blue with orange and yellow swirl wax. Pre-order it here!