Edmonton’s CULLED Political Grind Takes A Strike At Authoritarianism In “Coercion”
Edmonton, Canada’s Culled started in early 2017 with the intention of embracing the contrast of slow crushing sludge and doom riffs with the blistering speed and chaos of grindcore ripe with messages of peace, and love that implore the need for empathy in today’s unpredictable and unstable political climate. Now in 2024, they have their second album coming out, Psycles on July 26th. Ahead of the full release, they have a single “Coercion” out, that delves into topics of authoritarianism as they comment on below:
“We wanted to give a taste of where we can land when we are not directly focused on the contrasts between chaotic grinding speed against sludging doom. Mid-paced groovy with an infectious and memorable hook helping to give weight to the lyrical theme of corruption being the core of authoritarianism and an essential need of our society, and our one true religion.”
The band goes on to explain that the groove in the middle of the EP adds a touch of rest from the chaos and a repeating theme that can bring the message home. Featuring members with a historical impact in the Western Canadian heavy music scene, including former and current members of bands such as Thorazine, Disciples of Power, WAKE, and Exit Strategy, Culled is known for their intensity of performance and message of integrity fueled with compassion and empathy. They are recommended for fans of Nasum, Pig Destroyer, and Neurosis.
First off care to introduce yourself to our readers?
We are Culled a politically charged sludge-encrusted grind band from Calgary and Edmonton Alberta. Our music Culled started in early 2017 with the intention of embracing the contrast of slow crushing sludge and doom riffs with the blistering speed and chaos of grindcore ripe with messages of peace, and love that implore the need for empathy in today’s unpredictable and unstable political climate.
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
Our latest release “Psycles” is a departure from our debut release “The the Herd, Fail to Learn” and feels like a natural evolution of our music with increased intensity and complexity all while retaining our core philosophy and thematic approach. We have never felt more like a collective unit than we do right now and that’s largely due to the huge efforts and enthusiasm from our new members Chris and Curtis. We hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed creating it and find motivation and hope within the realities of the dark themes presented. Through empathy and understanding, we can overcome our collective trauma and oppression
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
Ben writes a majority of the guitar riffs and initial structure with Curtis, while Shane provides lyrical content and vision usually based on current events with a focus on empathy. The songs come together thanks to a collective effort by all members.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this project?
We already released our first video with the lead track “Halo of Flies” as a promotional kick-off for the album. We will be supporting the album locally at first with shows around Alberta with plans for more in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and BC. We hope to expand on these dates next year while we write the follow-up for release within the next year or so,
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
Every new opportunity is the next highlight. We have such a varied and historic musical career it is hard to pinpoint one so we feel it is best to always look forward and not back.
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward, what upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
There are just so many great acts out there. I would only ask that people take the time to dive in and constantly look for new emerging artists as well bands that are constantly evolving and playing with their sounds and approach to making music. Some notable acts we have enjoyed as of late are, False Body, Obroa-Skai, Everythingyoueverloved, Tebby and the Heavy, Forest Giant, Close Talkers, Squelch, Luminal Shroud, Cell Press, and more!
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