Salt Lake City based gothic metal band Arsenic Addiction's new track "Maleficium" is otherworldly and bewitching. The heavy driving guitar and drums are complimented by both screaming and clean vocals and ethereal keyboard, creating an ethereal feel that is spooky and enchanting.
The band comments: "We are excited to release ‘Maleficium’ the second video from our album ‘XIX’. Both the song and video mean a great deal to us as they are the result of many hours of hard work with the help of talented friends. ‘Maleficium’ tells the tale of many, being burned for the sins of others and damned for daring to speak and live their truths. The video is filmed and directed by: Brian Medeiros."
"The working title for this song was Malleus Maleficarum, it translates to The Hammer of Witches. A book and nickname for a clergyman who was discredited by the catholic church about the finding, extermination, and torture procedures for witches.
Exodus 22:18 'Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live'
The song itself is pretty straightforward as it is about patriarchal ideals against not only women, but anyone who dares to love differently, dress differently, and act out of the accepted norm. This song was written very specifically for our vocalist Lady Arsenic and her experiences and accusations of ‘being a witch’ in the sense of a seductress, whore, etc., for being an openly polyamorous woman, treated as though she has control over the thoughts and feelings of others and that she is somehow responsible for their actions (WITCHCRAFT!). It’s petty martyrdom, but it was very cathartic to write"
Arsenic Addiction's latest album XIX is available on Arsenicaddiction.bandcamp.com, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon.
