There’s not exactly a mountain of information to go on, but there is a mountain’s worth of volume packed into Acid Magus‘ new single — see what I did there? — “Emperor,” which is a herald of their third full-length to come. Though it is particularly satisfying in its largesse and melodic reach, progressivism and raw, heavy impact aligning comfortably side-by-side in their sound, “Emperor” follows behind “Wytch” (posted here), which came out this past August. There’s one more track to be unveiled from the apparently-not-that-impending long-player, which will be the follow-up to 2023’s Hope is Heavy (review here), but to keep centered in the moment, “Emperor” offers plenty to chew on in the meantime.

Even more than “Wytch,” it speaks to the growth of the band’s songwriting and aspirations toward spaciousness in the production. They float and crush in kind. I don’t know the release date for the album — next single early 2025, LP sometime thereafter, preferably sooner than later? — or even when the last song to advance it will drop, but “Emperor” is a reminder of why I look forward to hearing both.

To the PR wire, then:

Acid Magus Drops Explosive New Single Emperor from Upcoming Album

Emerging from the shadows of Pretoria’s rock scene, Acid Magus unleash Emperor, the fiery second single from their upcoming album. Known for their intoxicating blend of doom, stoner, punk, and psych rock, Acid Magus has crafted a track that is both an intense journey into sound and a searing exploration of power’s dark allure.

In a swirl of distorted guitars, heavy riffs, and hypnotic rhythms, Emperor introduces the album’s central antagonist—a power-hungry overlord who thrives on destruction. As a metaphor for colonialism and the erasure of culture, the Emperor embodies raw, destructive ambition. The track invites listeners to confront the brutality of conquest, with haunting lyrics that echo the relentless drive for control. Acid Magus’s characteristic musical grit and psychedelic edge deliver a visceral experience, drawing inspiration from the likes of Mastodon, Kylesa, and Baroness, all while infusing their signature South African flair.

Buy / Stream Emperor: https://orcd.co/_emperor

Emperor is also the shortest track on the upcoming album, offering a potent glimpse into the broader narrative Acid Magus has woven. With epic vocal cries and spine-chilling drops into sonic oblivion, the song encapsulates the wild thoughts of the loathsome Emperor himself, pulling listeners deeper into his tortured psyche. Acid Magus’s commitment to a raw, DIY approach comes through in every heavy beat and spiraling riff, creating a sound that’s both timeless and immediately captivating.

“We wanted to capture the Emperor’s madness and the absolute corruption of power,” the band shares. “This song channels the darkness in humanity that few dare to confront. Psychosis never sounded this good.”

Fans of Zeppelin, Sabbath, and the heavy psychedelia of modern bands like Slift will recognize Acid Magus’s reverence for rock’s legends, while newcomers to the genre will find themselves immersed in a hypnotic mix of styles, from 60s psych to alt-rock intensity.

https://www.facebook.com/acidmagus
https://www.instagram.com/acidmagus/
https://acidmagus.bandcamp.com/

Acid Magus, “Emperor”

I think maybe Acid Magus are just going to be one of those bands where every record does something different. That’s nothing to complain about, of course, but as they look to follow 2023’s Hope is Heavy (review here) with an impending third full-length, the conversation once again changes in terms of where they’re coming from. They’re not doing black metal like all of a sudden the psychedelia is gone and they’re playing Satyricon tunes or some such, but there is an extreme element to the atmosphere, if one accompanied by a rampant, growing melodic reach.

The underlying point there is that Acid Magus are getting harder, not easier, to predict with time, and that seems to be a purposeful thing. That their songwriting remains engaging while they consistently explore various sides of their persona in sound is, well, it’s fortunate for the listener taking them on, for sure, but it’s emblematic of the band’s priority on craft, which to-date has been a unifying factor. In the case of “Wytch,” vibe is a big part of it over that solid foundation, and it further marks the debut in the band of new drummer Jethro Vlag, who wins names to a degree that is likewise rare and admirable.

No release date or title or other details yet, so for all I know the record isn’t done yet, but here’s the announcement for the single, fresh off the PR wire:

ACID MAGUS UNVEILS “WYTCH” – FIRST SINGLE FROM UPCOMING THIRD STUDIO ALBUM

Prepare to descend into the depths of sonic chaos and transcendence as Pretoria’s very own Acid Magus releases their latest single, Wytch, from their eagerly anticipated third studio album out via Mongrel Records. Known for their self-proclaimed “garage doom on shrooms” sound, the band takes listeners on an intense journey that blends the psychedelic energy of psych rock with the crushing weight of doom metal.

Wytch marks the introduction of the protagonist in what promises to be a compelling concept album. This track sets the stage for a narrative steeped in corruption, loss, and the indomitable strength of community. The rise of an empire and the birth of an unlikely people’s champion are explored through haunting melodies, frenetic rhythms, and the band’s signature doom-laden riffs.

For the first time in their discography, Acid Magus delves into the dark, abrasive world of black metal, adding a new layer of intensity to their already formidable sound. The inclusion of new drummer Jethro Vlag has brought a fresh dynamic to the band, with his prowess behind the kit elevating the music to new heights. Vlag’s contributions shine throughout Wytch, capturing a sound that oscillates between frenetic energy, simple beauty, and bone-crushing weight.

Buy / Stream Wytch: https://orcd.co/wytch

Acid Magus’ upcoming album is shaping up to be their most ambitious project yet. While details of the full album remain under wraps, Wytch offers a tantalizing glimpse into what fans can expect— an aural exploration of epic proportions that pushes the boundaries of what doom metal can be.

https://www.facebook.com/acidmagus
https://www.instagram.com/acidmagus/
https://acidmagus.bandcamp.com/

http://mongrelrecords.com
http://www.facebook.com/mongrelrecords
http://www.instagram.com/mongrel_records
https://mongrelrecords1.bandcamp.com/

Acid Magus, “Wytch”

Acid Magus, Hope is Heavy (2023)

The Obelisk Questionnaire is a series of open questions intended to give the answerer an opportunity to explore these ideas and stories from their life as deeply as they choose. Answers can be short or long, and that reveals something in itself, but the most important factor is honesty.

Based on the Proust Questionnaire, the goal over time is to show a diverse range of perspectives as those who take part bring their own points of view to answering the same questions. To see all The Obelisk Questionnaire posts, click here.

Thank you for reading and thanks to all who participate.

The Obelisk Questionnaire: Roelof Van Tonder of Acid Magus

—

How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?

Simply put, I’m an aspiring musician, heavy emphasis on aspiring. I’ve always been in love and obsessed with music and I’ve dabbled here and there but never committed fully. I fucked around a lot in my early years, had way too much fun (if you know what I mean) and I also thought being like the musicians I admired wasn’t attainable for me. During lockdown I lost my job, and some other stuff happened that threw me into a deep depression. Music is what got me out of bed, practicing for hours every day gave me a sense of purpose and achievement that got me through a really tough time. My friend Keenan started a new project, and was in need of a drummer. I said fuck it and threw in my lot although I could barely play a single song. I realized how happy playing music made me and I should take this chance. I don’t think Keenan imagined anything to come from it at that point, but I was hell bent on proving myself. Many hours of practice, often without a working drum kit I managed to get to a point where my playing was passable. Since then I’ve moved to bass, it was another instrument I had which I could play when I didn’t have a drum kit, and I ‘ve just focused on getting this project to be successful. What I do is very much what is required at the moment, be it play a different instrument, do social media, organize shows or fill in a questionnaire. My journey is my own and I find that pretty cool now.

Describe your first musical memory.

Well… there’s many but one that I’ll never forget is listening to my dad’s Chris de Burgh CD, Spanish Train. The title track if you don’t know is a story of God and the Devil playing a game of cards for the souls of dead, on a train to the afterlife. The combination of storytelling, philosophy and music was just the coolest. I listened to that song many times, sometimes singing along other times thinking about life. I was a very broody child if you can tell!

Describe your best musical memory to date.

Frist show I played with Acid Magus on drums. We all played well, and it was just simply exhilarating! Felt like I was leading a charge into battle, hacked my way through some songs and it was over. Pure bliss!

When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?

The depression I went through during lockdown had me reevaluating life, it really confronted me with a lot of my beliefs of what a worthy life is and what a successful future looks like.

Where do you feel artistic progression leads?

Art and expression usually are synonymous, and I agree but really dedicating yourself to an instrument, craft or art requires a shit ton of discipline in many aspects of your life not only the time spent practicing. To be able to express yourself effectively, honestly and with confidence you need to get a lot of things right outside of your craft, and you need to find balance and purpose in your daily life. So I think artistic progression stems from the full spectrum of life, knowledge, relationships, philosophy, experiences, and honest hard work. Seeking your inner voice and expressing it is good and all, but I think we overemphasize creativity and art. Life imitates art as they say so stop trying so hard and just live. I say this like I do it with ease, but it’s hard trust me!

How do you define success?

Being able to pivot and do what you desire without having to worry about what you’re leaving behind. And simply, being worthy of happiness, emphasizing appreciation. If you can do that every day, you’re a success.

What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?

It’s morbid but I saw my cat Charlie get run over by a car right in front my eyes. She was emotional crutch during lockdown, and got me through a really tough time.

Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.

I study history, and I think anyone who has read about South Africa’s early frontier history would agree it’s just waiting to be told in a spaghetti western style movie. My sisters are in the film industry, check out Acid Magus’ music videos for some of their work, and I’ve always wanted to write a historically accurate, narrative script set in South Africa’s frontier and make a movie with them.

What do you believe is the most essential function of art?

Catharsis and documentation or immortalizing memories. Not always to the degree of processing something heavy like trauma, or something official like painting a president’s portrait. It can be something simple like doodling when bored or taking a picture of a friend. We live life and find moments that need processing and art naturally lends itself to this, just as it documents these moments that are important to us. I often think of cave drawings in this sense. People painted what they held dear or had value, but also express tumultuous times or experiences that people should remember and learn from.

Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?

Getting old, I’m curious where life will take me and where the world will go.

https://www.facebook.com/acidmagus
https://www.instagram.com/acidmagus/
https://acidmagus.bandcamp.com/

http://mongrelrecords.com
http://www.facebook.com/mongrelrecords
http://www.instagram.com/mongrel_records
https://mongrelrecords1.bandcamp.com/

Acid Magus, Hope is Heavy (2023)

Pretoria, South Africa’s Acid Magus released their second album, Hope is Heavy, through Mongrel Records in July as the follow-up to their 2021 debut Wyrd Syster (review here). The rolling, loosely hip-hop-informed “Dead Weight” is the third single from the six-track/43-minute long-player, preceded by “Caligulater” (posted here) and “Demon Behemoth” (posted here). Diverging from the band’s general methodology as it appears here, the penultimate cut features a guest appearance from Johni Holiday — whose band Ruff Majik released their excellent Elektrik Ram (review here) album earlier this year; you may have heard me drone on about how perfect it is — and wraps itself around the hook that begins with the line, “Twelve gauges to waste you,” and elephantine-fuzz marches through with due nod until the dreamy midsection, from whence it moves into a slower solo before rallying for a final chorus. Catchy, bouncing in its lumber-prone way, with Acid Magus vocalist Anrico Jeske reminding of Sasquatch during the verse with Holiday joining in effectively for the chorus and introducing the song.

Jeske is new to the band as of Hope is Heavy, as is guitarist/vocalist Brendon “Cowboy Bez” Bezuidenhout (also of Ruff Majik), who take the places respectively of former vocalist Christiaan Van Renen and nobody. Returning players Keenan Kinnear (guitar, songwriting), Jarryd Wood (bass) and Roelof van Tonder (drums on the album, now bass) are fairly consistent in tone and purpose from where Acid Magus was on Wyrd Syster, putting marked heft and fuzz behind heavy psychedelic liquidity with melody over top and an exploratory foundation. But there’s no question Acid Magus are a different band on Hope is Heavy, the title evoking a sense of ‘daring to hope,’ positing perhaps that it’s easier to be hopeless, whereas in order to have any kind of optimism for the future is harder work. I have little doubt this is true, and if you like heavy music named after heavy things, 10-minute LP closer “Trillion Tonne Sun” should satisfy nicely, but the change in the group is almost immediate as opener and previously mentioned single “Demon Behemoth” winds in on feedback and crashes to announce the arrival of its central riff and moves into its first verse.

Placed at the presumed end of side A, “Caligulater” gets a little rougher edged in its middle, but the melodic serenity of “Demon Behemoth” and the subsequent “Progeneration” — light touches of guitar there floating over the bassline and a chorus emerging that’s all the more a triumph because it stays slow — is maintained and a fluidity results as “Caligulater” picks up the tempo in seeming response to the song before it, keeping the airiness of guitar but setting it to swing along with the drums. Side B’s “A Planet, a Deathstar” is the shortest inclusion at 4:33, and it uses that time to begin a classic second-half-of-the-record expansion of style, with a spoken vocal over the early, resonant à la All Them Witches, acoustic-inclusive, low-key galloping verse, and a groove that holds as the fuller-toned fuzz unveiled and the grittier voice returns, suitable to the pulses that punctuate the riff, fading out to let Holiday mark the arrival of “Dead Weight.” And there is no level on which Hope is Heavy‘s penultimate track isn’t play. It’s cheeky, its groove is downright arrogant and the Jeske/Holiday tradeoffs make it a party, even if the video is set in an office with a surprising amount of longhairs in lower management.

It’s a blowout, if a somewhat different kind than “Caligulater,” but ends up in a not entirely dissimilar place following its two-minute intro, shimmering with heavy prog tonality and filled out beneath by denser low-end fuzz, opening for the verse like older-school European heavy rock and touching on ’90s-style alternative, but Acid Magus are clearly aware they’re at the end, and after reaffirming the semi-psych liquidity of side A, they use the final chorus of “Trillon Tonne Sun” for a crescendo with an epilogue of quiet guitar bookending the start of the song. The last purposeful move on the album but by no means the first, Hope is Heavy would feel like a second debut if the band hadn’t put so much detail and depth into the recording. Setting a broad context for themselves, they introduce listeners to their new lineup with intentional creative reach and a sound and style more cohesive than it was two years ago, despite the personnel shifts. And in some ways subtle and some ways not, they put a focus on songwriting that, whether it’s “Dead Weight” or “Progeneration” or “Demon Behemoth,” produces memorable results.

They were a band with potential, and so they remain. They don’t at all sound like they’re done growing, but Hope is Heavy does benefit from lessons gleaned from Wyrd Syster, and in thinking about where they might go for a third long-player, one hopes nothing so much as that Acid Magus continue to develop on the path they’ve set for themselves. That would be the best-case scenario, and they seem to know it, having come into a make-or-break moment for the band with a collection of songs ready to answer the question in decisive fashion: make.

“Dead Weight” video premieres below. Hope is Heavy is out now. More info follows from the PR wire.

Please enjoy:

Acid Magus, “Dead Weight (Feat. Johni Holiday)” video premiere

Buy / Stream Hope Is Heavy:
https://orcd.co/hope-is-heavy
https://acidmagus.bandcamp.com/album/hope-is-heavy

Get ready to be entranced by the dark, thought-provoking soundscape as South Africa’s own progressive doom virtuosos Acid Magus unleash their latest masterpiece — a riveting music video for their track Dead Weight from their critically acclaimed new album Hope Is Heavy out now on Mongrel Records. This release delves into the heart of modern popular culture’s relentless imitation game, challenging conventions and inviting viewers to question the status quo. To amplify the impact, the track features a captivating guest vocals appearance from none other than the esteemed frontman Johni Holiday from prominent South African stoner rock sensations Ruff Majik.

Johni takes on a dual role, gracing the track with his unmistakable voice while also embodying the main antagonist in the music video. In a stunning visual portrayal, he assumes the role of a vampire, reigning as a corporate overlord in a dystopian, cutthroat business environment.

Featuring 6 tracks, the album explores themes of existentialism, introspection, and the human condition. The band’s poetic lyrics delve into profound and introspective territories, inviting listeners to explore the depths of their own psyche.

“As time passed and I grew older, I found myself becoming depressed for no reason other than for the fact that I was becoming a bitter cynic. ‘Hope is Heavy’ is me trying to find that elusive light at the end of the ever present, gloomy tunnel.” – Keenan Kinnear, guitarist/songwriter.

Track Listing:
1. Demon Behemoth
2. Progeneration
3. Caligulater
4. A Planet, A Deathstar
5. Dead Weight (ft. Johni Holiday)
6. Trillion Tonne Sun

Line Up:
Keenan Kinnear: guitar
Jarryd Wood: bass guitar
Roelof van Tonder: drums
Anrico Jeske: vocals
Brendon Bezuidenhout: guitar, vocals

Acid Magus, Hope is Heavy (2023)

Acid Magus, “Caligulater”

Acid Magus, “Demon Behemoth”

Acid Magus on Facebook

Acid Magus on Instagram

Acid Magus on Bandcamp

Mongrel Records website

Mongrel Records on Facebook

Mongrel Records on Instagram

Mongrel Records on Bandcamp

Time for a second single as reconfigured South African heavy psychedelic rockers Acid Magus lava-flow their way closer to issuing their sophomore full-length, Hope is Heavy, through Mongrel Records. We get a month on that release — July — as the now-five-piece answer last month’s reveal of “Demon Behemoth” (posted here; also ‘dehemonth?’) with “Caligulater,” the lyrics of which posit your boss, landlord, etc. as one of the more reputedly cruel of Rome’s emperors. If you’ve ever had a job in an office and watched some wanker lord over it like a middle-management fiefdom, or, you know, paid to purchase absolutely anything at any point in the last three years and spent more money to get less of whatever you’re buying, surely it’s a relatable perspective.

Adding a second guitar and bringing in a new frontman aren’t minor changes for the band to undertake, particularly in light of how well their sound worked on 2021’s Wyrd Syster (review here), their debut album. “Caligulater” and “Demon Behemoth” drop hints of some shifts in approach, with a heavier foundation beneath bright-toned, semi-airy post-psych leads and more forward and purposeful vocal melodies. There’s a definite aspect of solidification here that makes me curious how the record will pan out around these tracks, but nothing Acid Magus have yet unveiled has been discouraging, which is about the absolute least you can say about the songwriting that’s coming to the forefront.

Don’t let me keep you. Both tracks are at the bottom of the post. You know what to do. PR wire had this to say:

Acid Magus unleash massive new single Caligulater from forthcoming album Hope Is Heavy

Pretoria based South African experimental rock band Acid Magus have been making waves in the music scene since their well received 2021 debut release Wyrd Syster. Now a 5-piece, 2023 sees the band returning stronger than ever with a new vocalist and addition of a second guitarist plus a forthcoming album Hope Is Heavy, set for release in July 2023 via Mongrel Records. New single Caligulater comes off the back of the albums immersive debut single Demon Behemoth which released in February this year.

Continuing the cynical theme established with Demon Behemoth, Caligulater derives its name from the infamous emperor Gaius, otherwise known as Caligula. He was the megalomaniacal third emperor of Rome, a man steeped in violent and sadistic excess. In short, not a cool guy. Guitarist and songwriter Keenan Kinnear delves into the message behind the song, “Caligulater explores my feelings concerning myself and my place in society. My own existential crisis and self-imposed vitriolic outlook on the world when at my worst. The “they” in the main hook, “they made us, betrayed us and enslaved us” can be applied to any subject. It could be Caligula himself concerning the citizens of Rome circa 37 AD or your parents, boss, society as a whole etc. It can even apply to yourself in the end.”

Buy / Stream Caligulater: https://orcd.co/caligulater

https://www.facebook.com/acidmagus
https://www.instagram.com/acidmagus/
https://acidmagus.bandcamp.com/

http://mongrelrecords.com
http://www.facebook.com/mongrelrecords
http://www.instagram.com/mongrel_records
https://mongrelrecords1.bandcamp.com/

Acid Magus, “Caligulater”

Acid Magus, “Demon Behemoth”

Don’t sleep on this. Don’t do it. I know, it’s another band, announcing another release, they’ve already made their debut in 2021’s Wyrd Syster (review here) so maybe you feel like you’re late to the party, but trust me, you’re not. Go ahead and click play on “Demon Behemoth” at the bottom of this post and you’ll find welcome amid the warm heavy psych tones and melodies as Acid Magus give a first taste of their upcoming sophomore LP, Hope is Heavy.

The song gets into some proggy chug and exploration later on — there’s time for these things in an eight-minute single — but the message even in its outer reaches is to immerse, to lose yourself in the going, and it’s worth doing so. Some restructuring of the band’s lineup has led to their becoming a five-piece, and while I dug that first record, what I’m hearing in “Demon Behemoth” is an uptick in fullness as well as production value and if that’s hope getting heavy as the track passes its sixth minute mark and finds its way back to its harmony-topped roll, the real adventure is just beginning. Sign me up.

No concrete release date as yet for Hope is Heavy, but Mongrel Records will have the release and the label sent the following down the PR wire:

Acid Magus unveil cathartic new single Demon Behemoth

DOWNLOAD / STREAM ► https://orcd.co/demonbehemoth

Acid Magus is an experimental rock outfit from Pretoria, South Africa. Doom, stoner, punk, psych, and classic rock are all common themes in their music. As huge fans of the rock greats (Zeppelin, Sabbath), stoner/desert rock behemoths (Kyuss, Sleep) as well as the tripped out psychedelic stylings of modern “psych” bands like Slift. Acid Magus take inspiration from all kinds of great music, spanning the entire gamut from 60s Hendrix and The Doors to Hawkwind and Scorpions at their heaviest, all this with maybe a little Alt Rock sensibility thrown in for good measure.

The band’s debut album Wyrd Syster was released in 2021 to widespread acclaim from fans and heavy music media. 2023 see Acid Magus returning as a 5 piece with a new vocalist and the addition of a second guitarist, as well as a brand-new album Hope Is Heavy, set for release later this year on Mongrel Records.

Demon Behemoth is the crushing first single from the forthcoming album. Guitarist and chief songwriter Keenan Kinnear explains, “Demon Behemoth is not only the first single but also the first track off our upcoming sophomore album, Hope is Heavy. The entire album is a concept dealing with me realizing how I am slowly becoming more cynical with age. Every song on the album, including Demon Behemoth, is a cross-section of my psyche, self-analyzed for the sake of solving the “great cynicism” I am experiencing at the moment and searching for the silver lining in what constantly seems to be an increasingly grim outlook.”

In the faint light that separates dreams from reality, lies from truth and heaven from hell, lives the Acid Magus. Meditating, surrounded by darkness and light, energizing the air with electric anticipation. Come forward and listen, stay awhile, there are no sins…

https://www.facebook.com/acidmagus
https://www.instagram.com/acidmagus/
https://acidmagus.bandcamp.com/

http://mongrelrecords.com
http://www.facebook.com/mongrelrecords
http://www.instagram.com/mongrel_records
https://mongrelrecords1.bandcamp.com/

Acid Magus, “Demon Behemoth”

South African heavy fuzzbringers Acid Magus find new clarity on their redo of “She is the Night” from 2021’s Wyrd Syster (review here). Trading out some of the drift of the original for lower tuning and a shorter runtime, the song is plenty catchy enough to warrant the other visit, and while the new version is a surprise less than a year after the album’s release, that they’d take on the task after seeing how “She is the Night” garnered an audience response in live shows isn’t a shock in the least. Righteous groove, rampant hook, nodding melody. If I was standing in front of a stage and this was coming off it, I’d be stoked too.

Don’t let me delay you. The official release is tomorrow, March 25, but basically because I asked, you can stream now at the bottom of this post. I’m not sure if this counts as a premiere or not, but screw it, either way you go the song rules, so go ahead and enjoy. I’ve also included the full stream of Wyrd Syster, which if you missed it in 2021 is a gem. Never too late.

Order link and PR wire info follow:

Psychedelic doomsters Acid Magus release redux version of Wyrd Syster single

SHE IS THE NIGHT (REDUX): https://orcd.co/sheisthenight_redux

Acid Magus released their debut album, Wyrd Syster on the 30th July 2021. Heaving with fuzzy guitars, fat bass lines and thunderous drums, as one has come to be expected from the four-piece. The release was extremely well received within the heavy music scene, garnering widespread attention from media and fans. Doom, Stoner, Punk, Psych, and Classic Rock are all common themes throughout the album.

The band recently decided to re-record the title track and second single from the album as guitarist Keenan Kinnear explains, “She is the Night was a bit of an afterthought when completing the album. When we finalized the vocals, we sat back and thought “wow, this is actually quite a powerful track!” The audience response to the song has also been very positive so we decided to give it the spotlight it deserves and re-recorded it from scratch in our newly adopted drop tuning and added a few bits to flesh it out somewhat. Once more, the inimitable Tyrone le Roux-Atterbury contributed an exclusive art piece further detailing the Wyrd Syster” from the original album art…”

Line Up:
Keenan Kinnear: guitars
Jarryd Wood: bass guitar
Roelof van Tonder: drums
Christiaan Van Renen: vocals

https://www.facebook.com/acidmagus
https://www.instagram.com/acidmagus/
https://acidmagus.bandcamp.com/
http://mongrelrecords.com
http://www.facebook.com/mongrelrecords
http://www.instagram.com/mongrel_records

Acid Magus, “She is the Night (Redux)”

Acid Magus, “Wyrd Syster” (2021)

The Obelisk Questionnaire is a series of open questions intended to give the answerer an opportunity to explore these ideas and stories from their life as deeply as they choose. Answers can be short or long, and that reveals something in itself, but the most important factor is honesty.

Based on the Proust Questionnaire, the goal over time is to show a diverse range of perspectives as those who take part bring their own points of view to answering the same questions. To see all The Obelisk Questionnaire posts, click here.

Thank you for reading and thanks to all who participate.

The Obelisk Questionnaire: Keenan Kinnear of Acid Magus

—

How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?

I am assuming this question is aimed at my music, right? In that case, I would define what I do as bringing life to the incessant melodies and riffs meandering through my mind 24/7. If the question is aimed at what I do for a living, then the answer would be: Accountant.

I came to be an accountant because where I come from, university degrees and lifeless corporate placements are valued far more than the arts. At least as far as ‘successful career’ choices go. I was dead set on studying English Literature and Journalism when I matriculated (graduated from High School) but the world had other plans for me. Be that as it may, it is what it is and here I am, wracked by debt and anxiety, living the dream some might say. Brutal.

Enter music. My soul’s saviour!! After borrowing a drum kit at age 15 and basically giving my neighbours a daily crash course in the ‘Grohl method’ encompassing the entire Nirvana discography the bug bit and I was sold down a road of countless gear purchases, trial and error, and most importantly, the number 42.

Soon after drums, I picked up the guitar, then messed around with keyboards and other instruments. No formal training ever, just the dire and unending need to melt faces! The eureka moment came when I discovered audio interfaces, DAWs and mixing. This was the turning point in me taking my music seriously and working towards recording ‘the good shit’. After many years of even more trial and error in that area of the game, I find myself here, still wracked by debt and anxiety, living the dream some might say. Brutal.

Describe your first musical memory.

Driving around in my mother’s old Fiat as a kid headbanging and singing to some choice cuts from bands like AC/DC, Fine Young Cannibals and (this one is cringe AF but is a super important memory for me so back off) Modern Talking. I actually bought that Modern Talking LP a couple years back. Sometimes I get in the mood for a little “Brother Louie” when a couple beers have gone in.

My mother influenced my life in every way, but most importantly, her taste in music is probably the reason I make the music I make right now.

Describe your best musical memory to date.

Real talk. I’ve been skirting the local music scene for the last decade or so, either helping others out or attempting small projects myself to no avail etc. With Acid Magus, I put my mind to it and ended up releasing an album. That’s been a dream of mine for a long time, so I have to say that putting out my debut is my best musical memory to date. It is a personal achievement above all else and one that gives me immense joy.

When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?

I am NOT a ‘covers’ guy, especially not when it comes to Acid Magus. Chris, our vocalist, regularly brings up the idea of covering some songs and it shakes me to the damn core every time! Chris, if you are reading this, NO!

Where do you feel artistic progression leads?

Hopefully to Nirvana? Not the band of course, rather spiritual enlightenment. I mean, all the general ideas such as progression leads to growth and new, fresher art, etc. aside, music is a spiritual journey for me, it is the one thing that informs my awareness, it is the accelerator in my psyche. Every bar that awakes from within me and finds its place on a track on the DAW in front of me brings me closer to Nirvana. I’m not a Buddhist though… still just a boring accountant. Brutal.

How do you define success?

Society, and more specifically, ‘the haves’ have been telling us ‘have nots’ that success should be measured by relative happiness, not money and other material objects. I don’t know if it’s that simple. The best I can do is critically process the idea of success and for me personally, and I’m sure many other people out there too, money plays a big role man! Do I wish to be Jeff Bezos? No. Do I wish to have financial security? Yes. Will being a full-time musician get me that? Unlikely. We roll the dice every day, let’s rather focus on loving those we can count on with all that we are, the rest is moot.

What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?

Game of Thrones Season 8… god…

Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.

A human being. For the longest time becoming a father has been the furthest thing from my mind, while right now it’s pretty much all I can think about it. Holding thumbs… my wife is going to hate me for putting this out there haha but maybe putting the intention out there in the universe will work in our favour?

What do you believe is the most essential function of art?

The promotion of critical thinking. We are dumbed down and placated by reality television and social media. Art should challenge convention and get people to ask questions of themselves, the universe and everything in between.

Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?

I am typing these answers out at the office, I am about to save and log off. I am very much looking forward to going home to my wife and cat. I guess it’s not that brutal after all…

https://www.facebook.com/acidmagus
https://www.instagram.com/acidmagus/
https://acidmagus.bandcamp.com/
http://mongrelrecords.com
http://www.facebook.com/mongrelrecords
http://www.instagram.com/mongrel_records

Acid Magus, “Wyrd Syster” (2021)