Album Review: Acid Magus – Scatterling Empire (Mongrel Records)

In the liminal space where dreams flirt with reality and light dissolves into shadow, Acid Magus, Pretoria’s own experimental rock mavericks, emerge with Scatterling Empire, a monumental ode to defiance, culture, and the unrelenting spirit of resistance. Set to release on 21st February 2025 via Mongrel Records, the album is an intricate tapestry of sound, philosophy, and storytelling—a psychedelic journey through the fragmented pieces of history and humanity. The inspiration for Scatterling Empire is deeply rooted in the complexities of human history, particularly the devastation wrought by colonial conquest.

Leaving the listener with much to contemplate come the end, Acid Magus’ new album proves to be one of the most thought-provoking listens heard so far this year (if not longer). Its inspirations and themes might be wide and varied, but the core idea and how that is expressed, while being open to interpretation, is fascinating.

Then you throw in the all-important aspect of the band, which is their incredible genre-bending ways, and what we have here is a record that demands time and patience. Yet, it is the way in which it pays that off, that really makes this so special. From the first track to the last, Acid Magus deliver an utterly gripping listen. One that showcases their power in unforgettable fashion.

There’s a dreaminess to War, even though it’s buried under hefty riffs and big hooks. The vocals expertly run alongside its more melodious vibe (in places), but it’s the intensity of the heavier rock groove that most will notice. However, this also an evolving track, and Acid Magus like to experiment. It’s one of the strongest album openings heard this year.

Happily, it’s not the only high point of the record as Incantations is next and that creates a whole different kind of vibrancy. One far more colourful, but also one far more psychedelic. As dissonant as it is harmonious, it’s another slice of Acid Magus brilliance and a testament to their talents that it is so engaging right up to the end.

 

 

The exciting experimentation continues with aplomb too as Wytch brings back the energy with a more manic guitar/drum combination. Dropping into a more melodic style right when needed but keeping a foot-tapping tempo at the forefront, ready for an explosive (and catchy chorus). The vocals are great here, but special mention must go to the drumming which is the backbone of this track’s accessibility.

Having hit us with several bangers in a row, it’s a ‘foot off the gas’ moment as Ascendancy is a short piece of bright melody with just a slight tinge of shimmering weirdness to it. Which leads nicely into the thick instrumental sound of Emperor (another great chorus) and the expansive Citadel. The latter, the longest track on the album, is Acid Magus at their most laidback, but also them at their most dreamy and melody laced. It’s a lovely, flowing piece that takes its time, but has some surprises up its sleeve too. The latter part has some really unique touches.

Finally,, having seemingly hit their apex, they reveal another short instrumental intermission called Absolution, before unleashing the power of Haven. It’s hard to say where this rhythmic beast of a track stacks up against the rest of the album as everything has been so good, but rest assured, it’s another impressive effort. Ending things in powerful and persuasive style.

Scatterling Empire is the sound of band having found themselves.

Acid Magus – Scatterling Empire Track Listing:

1. War
2. Incantations
3. Wytch
4. Ascendancy
5. Emperor
6. Citadel
7. Absolution
8. Haven

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