Album Review by Ashley Parrish
misanthropy
noun
mi·san·thro·py | \ mi-ˈsan(t)-thrə-pē, ˈmi-sən- \
Definition:
- a hatred or distrust of humankind
I’ll admit, I’ve been reluctant to write about industrial music. Not because I don’t love it—but because I do. Its complexity intimidated me, requiring a shift in perspective and, in my case, a bit of an education. But I’ve been wanting to venture into the genre for a while, so I pretended to wait ten whole minutes before deciding to review MISANTHROPY by Corvin’s Breed. My bravery was immediately rewarded when I learned that none other than Nero Bellum (of Psyclon Nine) produced the album and handled all the synth work. Cue me cramming my brain with new music terms, Googling things like “What is a waveform and why does it have shapes!?” and “What exactly makes a synth modulated?”—and hoping for the best.
So, I grabbed a decent pair of noise-canceling headphones, switched off the overhead lights, and sat crisscross applesauce on my floor, and let the blue glow from the Himalayan salt lamp illuminate my small space. Then, I dove in.
Photo by Evan Middleton
Released on March 14, 2024, MISANTHROPY is Corvin’s Breed’s sophomore album. The band, rooted in Providence, RI, blends Industrial metal with a touch of Doom thrown in for good measure. Now, I may not be an expert in electronic music, but I know a little somethin’ about doom metal, so I wasn’t entirely out of my wheelhouse.
From the start, it’s clear that each track on MISANTHROPY is strong. It’s obvious early on that this is no amateur production but a well-thought-out piece of art. From the intro to the outro, you move through themes of societal chaos and personal pain, which encapsulate the title’s meaning—a deep distrust and disdain for humanity, and sometimes even for oneself. The production by Nero Bellum amplifies this tension, contributing complexity through the many layers of sound. These themes are not only reflected in the production but also in Matty Corvin’s powerful vocal delivery, his carefully chosen words, and the unique phrasing of his lyrics.
In “STRAIGHT TO THE CURB,” the lyrics delve into themes of rejection, toxicity, and manipulation. While the vocal effects give the track a scratchy, violent feel, mirrored by the oppressive atmosphere created by the low, heavy guitar tones and synth leads. In “DYSPHORIA,” the lyrics take on an even more introspective tone, capturing the suffocating feeling of being trapped within one’s own mind. This track was an immediate standout for me, due to the haunting vocal delivery, paired with the super catchy riffs and deep, resonant guitar tone.
In the title track, “MISANTHROPY,” the layered production creates a manipulative, cult-like vibe that reflects a gnawing sense of alienation, both on a personal and broader scale. This track serves as a linchpin, pulling together the album’s overarching themes of distrust and disdain for humanity. The lyrics are delivered with a menacing edge, made even more powerful by the chilling atmosphere. This sense of pervasive distrust and societal breakdown continues into “NATURAL BORN KILLER,” where the energy and urgency reach their peak. The track delves into the chaos unleashed by the abuse of power, with punchy drumming and distorted, chant-like vocals amplifying the maniacal, cult-like vibe. The pulsing siren sound from the synth leads escalates the track’s intensity.
Photo by Evan Middleton
Following this narrative thread, “DEATH PREP” emerges as a natural continuation, growing more intense with each listen. The chorus effects create dramatic, operatic moments that evoke a deeply oppressive tone. The track’s staticky, ominous, almost robotic tension carries you toward an impending doom, mirroring the earlier tracks’ exploration of societal collapse and personal alienation. At times, it felt like I was being forced into an unsettling darkness, with a mix of fear and anticipation.
The closing tracks on the album end on a more introspective note, feeling to me like a duology of sorts. Dark, slow, and gloomy, “SOMEWHERE BROKEN” captures the loss of a connection, while “BLOOD ON HANDS” reflects the aftermath—a harsh realization. The repeated whispered verse, “I think you did this to me” is one of my favorite moments on the entire album. I appreciate how, lyrically, MISANTHROPY progresses—the cryptic nature of the lyrics gradually subsides until you’re faced with blunt and direct truths. The outro then brings a sense of resolution and catharsis, with the steady heartbeat and calming piano making you feel as if all the pain has been purged, leaving you somewhere new.
So, I reached the end of MISANTHROPY. After a week spent cracking it open to figure out its parts, I found myself both impressed and a little drained—but in a good way. This album is a dark, yet honest journey through the chaos of the world and the turmoil within ourselves.
And while I might not have fully cracked the code on what a waveform is or why it has shapes, I don’t believe my color-coded note cards have gone to waste. MISANTHROPY has certainly left an impression—one that’s haunting, intense, and compelling. It also provided me with a bit of an education. I strongly implore you to check out this album.
Photo by David Parada
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