Seattle-based act Holy Death Temple unmasks “erotic evil” on the industrial, electro-forward “Someone To Blame.” This self-produced trio — comprising Bryan Edward alongside Amy Tung-Barrysmith and Jon Barrysmith — fuses goth dance punk with sharp political critique. Their latest work explores the intersection of S&M and fascist ideology, specifically targeting the oppressive overreach of ICE through a physically propulsive and darkly seductive lens.
Buzzing synth tones, head-nodding percussion, and sensual “I wanna” vocal refrains immediately craft an intoxicating soundscape. A suave lead vocal emerges, its “penetrate your mind, spoon-fed your demons” darkly impactful lyricism matching well with the confident vocal tone, fondly reminiscent of Depeche Mode. “Can’t get enough,” the vocals push with more vigor. “You like it rough, darling I know that you love pain.” The sense of insatiable desire and lust is apparent within the wholly memorable electro-ready soundscape, with twangy guitars bolstering seamlessly past the one-minute turn.
A riveting sequence arises as the final minute approaches. “When you’re hungry for, pain,” the vocals move with stylish momentum, pairing heady guitar distortion with illuminated synth elements. The track artfully melds current event tumult, specifically regarding the oppressive overreach of ICE, with the role of S&M when “fascism does the roleplaying.” Explorations of “erotic evil” combine with an industrial, darkly effective post-punk and electro-pop synergy on the stirringly effective “Someone To Blame.”
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