Perth’s heavy music titans, Make Them Suffer, have just unleashed their highly anticipated self-titled album, and it’s a relentless journey into uncharted sonic territories. This record isn’t just a collection of tracks—it’s a conceptual experience, a grim descent into a dystopian world that feels both futuristic and eerily familiar. From the very first notes of “The Warning” to the final, frenetic moments of “Small Town Syndrome,” the band pulls no punches, delivering a sound that’s both ferocious and introspective.
Frontman Sean Harmanis takes us on a track-by-track exploration of the album’s creation, themes, and the personal stories behind each song. The band has masterfully crafted a soundscape that oscillates between crushing metal riffs, cinematic electronic elements, and hauntingly beautiful melodies. Each track stands as a testament to Make Them Suffer’s evolution, capturing their signature blend of aggression and vulnerability while pushing their sound into daring new realms.
Here, Harmanis dives deep into the inspiration behind each track, unpacking the dystopian cityscapes, emotional battles, and philosophical musings that shape their latest offering. Buckle up and immerse yourself in the world of Make Them Suffer as we peel back the layers of one of the heaviest and most ambitious records the band has released to date.
Track by Track Breakdown
1. The Warning
The Warning is basically setting the scene, the tone, and the voice of the album. It brings you into the world in which the album takes place—a dystopian cityscape that’s both densely populated yet isolating. The song is meant to immerse listeners in the soundscapes of the album, merging old orchestral elements with futuristic sci-fi sounds, creating a soundscape that feels both ancient and forward-looking.
2. Weaponized
Weaponized was always intended to be the album’s first full track, seamlessly flowing from The Warning. This is a concise, hard-hitting banger featuring a mix of traditional metal riffs and nu-metal influences, with Alex Reade and Sean trading vocal lines. It’s the perfect track to get listeners pumped, with driving riffs and anthemic choruses.
3. Oscillator
A song written with the intention of becoming a single, Oscillator shifts focus to electronic elements, drawing a cold, digital sound reminiscent of screen addiction. The verses lean into rap-influenced vocals, exploring themes of isolation and the mental health impact of living in a hyper-connected yet lonely digital age.
4. Doomswitch
Doomswitch carries a hidden sadness beneath its aggressive forefront, reflecting Sean’s personal experiences with setbacks, including canceled tours and the feeling of being dealt one bad hand after another. The song is a testament to resilience and overcoming challenges despite seemingly endless adversity.
5. Mana God
Imagine the infamous nightclub scene from Blade, but instead of EDM, it’s Mana God blasting heavy metal riffs. This track draws inspiration from bands like The Prodigy, pushing the boundaries between metal and electronic music. It’s one of the heaviest tracks on the album, addressing the theme of control in a world rife with misinformation and media manipulation.
6. Epitaph
Epitaph is a fusion of Make Them Suffer’s old orchestral elements with futuristic pads, exploring themes of judgment from a higher power after the extinction of humanity. The track raises profound questions about how the human race will be remembered, blending sci-fi and prophetic, biblical imagery.
7. No Hard Feelings
This track holds a special place for the band, as its opening section was originally written for a previous song, Contraband. Lyrically, it’s a personal exploration of isolation and detachment, with lines like “no hard feelings, don’t count on me” reflecting the struggle to connect with others.
8. Venusian Blues
A bittersweet track with shoegaze and grunge influences, Venusian Blues delves into feelings of alienation and social anxiety. The song’s lyrics explore the struggle of feeling disconnected in social settings, with a chorus that speaks to the desire to fit in.
9. Ghost Of Me
Ghost Of Me tackles the raw emotions of rejection and betrayal, centering on someone watching a loved one walk away and the bitterness that follows. It’s an angry, emotionally charged track that captures the turmoil of being abandoned by those once close.
10. Tether
Tether is the motivational anthem of the album, a reminder to stay true to yourself and not be swayed by others’ negativity. It’s a song about resilience, using the album’s signature mix of heavy riffs and uplifting messages to encourage listeners to push through life’s challenges.
11. Small Town Syndrome
Closing the album on a high note, Small Town Syndrome is Sean’s personal favorite. It’s a driving, high-energy track that tells the story of someone trying to escape a small town with secrets in tow. The interplay between Alex and Sean’s vocals makes it a standout, reminiscent of the band’s earlier work but elevated to new heights.
The new album is out now and you can stream it on all platforms here
