The anarchic heavy UK alt-rock quartet El Moono are set to return with their latest concept EP Temple Corrupted on 4 February 2022 via Lockjaw Records. Mixing influences of rock, hardcore, post-hardcore, sludge, grunge and metal, the Brighton band are bringing an EP stacked with experimental sounds, creating an immersive listening experience which isn’t afraid to explore sensitive topics.
Temple Corrupted‘s thematic focus surrounds depression and anxiety, and how societal corruption affects one’s individual mental health. Track five ‘Miseria‘ directly tackles the first-person experience of self-loathing, also drawing attention to the staggering statistics around suicide and the future consequences if society’s attitudes toward mental health remain the same.
Touching on personal trauma, track ‘Requiem‘ was inspired by watching a loved one waste away due to illness – a direct nod to guitarist Jamie’s father’s diagnosis of chronic cancer at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Temple Corrupted marks a new era for the band, following heavy pre-Covid touring around the UK and Europe with Black Peaks, Phoxjaw, Haggard Cat and Press to Meco. This record showcases the band’s expansive tastes and approach, with off-kilter and mind-bending riffs which build a sensory overload in the best way.
The final track ‘White Gold‘ is the longest on the EP and a pure stand-out on the project overall, with the song delving into issues surrounding institutionalised segregation of race and the injustices ethnic minorities face, fronting up to how the UK is an ‘ignorant empire’. This track, along with other previously released single ‘Forced to Smile‘ have also had support from Kerrang!, Louder, and Kerrang! Radio in recent months.
The band’s values and musical messages don’t stop at the songwriting process, with drummer Chris’ own clothing brand, ‘Over Your Head’ donating profit portions to mental health charities.
Temple Corrupted is a liberating listen and a fearless fight for change, each track an introspective gem with a unique sound to stir and move.
Temple Corrupted is available to pre-order and pre-save here.
TRACK LISTING:
- The Wild Hunt
- Final Execution
- Requiem
- Forced To Smile
- Miseria
- Splitting the Atom
- White Gold