The Below battle the relentless entropy of Immutable Decay on their daunting and dystopian new EP — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The first of two releases this year from the Swedish industrial post-punk act, the EP delves into dark and unsettling territories. Harsh sounds of metal against metal permeate every track, complemented by the use of unconventional instruments, creating a haunting and eerie atmosphere.
“The world is in a dire state, and we’re running out of time. Mankind is both killing itself and passively observing, blind to what’s right before our eyes,” The Below say in a press release. “We witness an increasing number of climate-related disasters, yet there are no substantial efforts to make necessary changes, with little concern for a future that, in part, is already upon us. Populist and authoritarian politicians, who resort to fear-mongering, deflecting blame rather than addressing the real and imminent causes, are gaining popularity worldwide. War and armed conflicts are already underway in several places, and feel inevitable in others. The escalation in Gaza amounts to genocide, and the line No Place Is Safe tragically rings truer today than ever before. Russia’s brutal assault on Ukraine has entered its third year with no end in sight. Each passing day brings more attacks on civilian targets and more suffering.”
Over the course of 19 gripping and grim minutes, The Below — aka multi-instrumentalist Bo Magnusson, joined here by vocalist Aaron Sutcliffe — address the horrors with their signature brand of throbbing, industrial post-punk. The lead track, 90 Seconds To Midnight, stands out with its intense percussion-driven sound, addressing themes of corruption and environmental degradation. No Place Is Safe poignantly tackles the harrowing realities of the war in Gaza, while Artificial Lights (Dystopian Haze) explores the theme of fear and the experience of living in bomb shelters after the brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine. The evocative and captivating video for 90 Seconds To Midnight was directed and filmed by Anders Larsson at Good Evening Pasadena!, who also helmed the band’s video for Heebie-Jeebies Süssigkeit.
Magnusson, the creative force behind The Below, was part of the industrial outfit Dr. Evil and The Boys From Below, one of the most eccentric bands to emerge from the vibrant Swedish underground scene in the ’80s and early ’90s. Known for their boundary-pushing performances featuring a mesmerizing array of props, including pig’s skulls, man-sized test tubes, levitating washing machines, and a cacophony of scrap metal, the band gained a strong local following. However, after the band disbanded in 1992, Magnusson took a step back from music to focus on other endeavours.
In 2015, a resurgence of inspiration reignited Magnusson’s creativity. Revisiting forgotten instruments and repurposing salvaged objects, he embarked on a sonic odyssey under the moniker of The Below. Since then, he has released a series of singles showcasing his musical evolution, from the obscure and unconventional soundscape of his earlier works to the more accessible yet still experimental realms found in recent singles.
Collaborations have been integral to The Below’s sound, enriching the sonic landscape with diverse perspectives and voices. From politically charged singles to haunting fictional fare, The Below continue to invite listeners into an unsettling yet captivating experience. As the sound evolves, Magnusson remains committed to pushing artistic boundaries while staying true to his experimental roots. Each release serves as a testament to his dedication to sonic innovation and creative exploration.
Listen to Immutable Decay below, watch the video for 90 Seconds To Midnight above, and get behind The Below on Instagram and Facebook.
