Not sure “supergroup” is the right word for these newcomers, but the multi-state trio of Shock Withdrawal definitely has an interesting pedigree that may or may not give you a sense of what to expect from its six-song debut EP. Guitarist/bassist Nick Emde is currently in death metal duo Nitesoil, drummer Jono Garrett has done time in doomy stoners Mos Generator and vocalist Mitchell Luna also fronts death grinders Maruta. Another hint definitely lies in the trio of record labels—Roman Numeral, selfmadegod and Brutal Panda—that will be releasing the band’s first effort on March 4 via CD, 7″ vinyl, cassette and digitally.
Our own assessment of the six tracks definitely places them heavily leaning into grindcore with some death metal groove and a penchant for switching up tempos. Lyrically they accurately reflect the general negativity of life in the early 21st century. What a time to be alive, am I right? The EP was recorded by Travis Bacon at Svart Sound and mastered by Arthur Rizk (Power Trip, Cavalera Conspiracy, Municipal Waste, Turnstile), with artwork by Primitive Man guitarist/vocalist Ethan Lee McCarthy.
Here’s what vocalist Luna had to say about the EP:
“With Shock Withdrawal the goal was to create a grindcore-adjacent sound that is straightforward and catchy. This project leans into throwback death metal segments and incorporates more groove than anything I have ever been involved with—there are two songs on there with no blast beats whatsoever, which is me sort of stepping out of my comfort zone. Fear not, though, as there are plenty of blasts to keep your high-bpm cravings satiated.
“Even though I have always used music as a therapeutic platform to purge negativity and existential dread, I can say that this release felt like a labor of love. From the writing/recording process all the way down to having three different record label friends put it out on three different formats, everything felt incredibly seamless.
“It feels fucking absolutely great to be putting this out into the world. Nick and Jono are currently laying the groundwork down for more material, and we are hoping to keep the momentum going by churning out a full length in the not too distant future. This EP is just a small taste of what is to come.”
You can preorder the EP on the various formats here.
