In the shadowy recesses of the music industry, where the conventional and the mundane dare not tread, a unique sonic alchemist known as Leather Parisi has been quietly challenging the status quo. On the heels of a global pandemic that has stirred both fear and introspection, Leather Parisi has unleashed a haunting noise project. Entitled “DUB EXORCISM,” the upcoming record is a bleak yet captivating exploration of humanity’s failings set against the backdrop of a world that, despite lofty promises, refuses to change.
On June 7th, 2023, under the dual banners of Solium Records and Asbestos Digit, “DUB EXORCISM” will be introduced to the world in both digital and cassette format. This release marks Leather Parisi’s maiden foray with Solium Records and their first solo EP on Asbestos Digit.
“DUB EXORCISM” is a chilling journey through the rugged terrains of industrial-harsh-noise-dub, inspired by the empty promises and return to self-centered pursuits following the respite from the pandemic’s initial onslaught. With a sound that is heavy, insistent, and darkly repetitive, the record serves as a doom-laden ritual, extinguishing any glimmer of hope and underscoring the futility of mankind’s endeavors.
To masterfully bring out the expressive power of this album, Riccardo “Rico” Gamondi (Uochi Toki, Light Item) was brought on board. His deft touch accentuates the raw, uncompromising soundscape that defines the heart of “DUB EXORCISM“.
Leather Parisi, an annihilation noise project, has continually tested the sonic waters of various sub-genres. From industrial, EBM, hash-noise, power-electronics, black metal, doom, drones, to now an industrial-dub blend for their collaboration with Solium Records, they demonstrate an intriguing sonic versatility.
“DUB EXORCISM“, as a record, is a raw indictment of the human condition, crafted through the unfiltered lens of Leather Parisi. As it spins on turntables or echoes through digital platforms, it will serve as a stark reminder of our collective failures. It’s a memento of a time when the world was gripped by crisis, yet chose to revert to its old ways when the dust settled. Yet within its harsh cadences and doom-laden beats, there is an undeniable allure, a fascination born from the desire to understand and reflect on the shared experience of a world in turmoil.
“DUB EXORCISM” is an introspective journey told through the prism of industrial-dub music. Each track in the EP contributes to a narrative arc that symbolically grapples with themes of purposelessness, existential crisis, and ultimately, resignation. Check out the full track by track commentary below.
Track by track commentary:
The release starts with “Neon Scuum” which represents the first step of the protagonist’s journey, he starts to feel the void in his daily life and a lack of purpose. This song is also the first that was written for DUB EXORCISM EP and the intention was to find and re-create all the sounds that I always loved and appreciated on my dub-industrial reference artists.
Then, in “Guance di Sale” the intent was to melt a sad piano loop with a powerful bass and drum background. The drum and bass are inspired by some doom-metal influences and the piano loop just came out on a rainy day. In this track, the protagonist decides that he want to go through a ritual to elevate his existence.
“Social Monogamy” has been the test bench where I blend industrial-dub and harsh sonorities which have always distinguished my previous releases. The harsh sounds are continually broken by hard drum kicks and this atmosphere represents the ritual that the protagonist must undergo.
The most introspective song is “Vox Arcana” which was the last track recorded for DUB EXORCISM. For this one, some field recordings have been used, combined with a noise carpet and a slow but powerful drum kit, all is completed with an effected vocal sample that I love, and I always used on live acts. In “Vox Arcana” the protagonist that has abandoned his/her earthly life understands that also in this new life form there is no redemption for him/her and the entire mankind.
“Opal Grim” is the second track, after “Social Monogamy” where I drew more on my noise, ebm, harsh backgrounds sonorities and mixed with the dub ones. The song was born during some rehearsal for live acts and tested live before becoming a part of this EP. Here the protagonist is undecided on what to do with his existence but in the end, he chooses to come back to his body and his previous life.
The release ends with “Post Noisem Domini” one of the most powerful tracks. The protagonist reverses the ritual coming back to his/her unearthly journey resigned to lead his empty life. Byzantine bells and liturgies follow mighty drumbeats and harsh noises with deep ancient language echoes.
Solium Records, an independent label with a flair for crafting handcrafted, screen-printed tapes, finds its ethos aligned perfectly with the underlying message of “DUB EXORCISM“. Their repertoire spans multiple genres, from hip-hop to noise, making each release a coveted item for collectors with a penchant for the unconventional and rare.
Working in concert with Solium Records is Asbestos Digit, a Rome-based label that has been championing non-aligned electronic music since 2016. Managed by Andrea Prevignano (Dope In The Pig Bags, Grief, Anyone?), the label maintains a bold stand against corporate electronic music, providing a platform for artists to explore and express.
