New Music

PUSCIFER covers themes of dopamine addiction through social media use in “The Algorithm”

2 mins read

PUSCIFER, in partnership with Sumerian Comics and Sumerian Records, has released “The Algorithm”, a new single written exclusively for the soundtrack to the hugely popular “American Psycho” comic book series.

“American Psycho” artists Piotr Kowalski (“The Witcher,” “Bloodborne,” “Sex”) and Brad Simpson (“Kong of Skull Island,” “Stray Dogs,” “Blade Runner Origins”) collaborated with Puscifer to create original illustrations for the video.

The clip, animated by Tony Celano of Sumerian Records, features the serials’ lead characters Charlene Carruthers and Patrick Bateman, with Carruthers’ social media-heavy storyline aligning with Puscifer’s oft-mentioned themes of dopamine addiction through habitual social media use.

Puscifer by Travis Shinn
Puscifer by Travis Shinn

“Joining forces with the legendary rock band Puscifer for our soundtrack to the ‘American Psycho’ comic book series is an electrifying collaboration,” shares Nathan Yocum. President of Sumerian Comics. “This original song brings an intensity and depth to the narrative, elevating the experience for fans and readers alike. We’re thrilled to amplify the story’s impact with Puscifer’s signature sound, creating a fusion of music and storytelling that will further captivate audiences.”

Mat Mitchell, Puscifer guitar player and co-writer, adds: “Our approach to writing ‘The Algorithm’ was not to delicately peel back the layers of the onion, but instead, to take an axe to it.”

The “American Psycho” comic book series by Sumerian Comics is a bold reimagining of Patrick Bateman’s notorious saga.

 

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The five-issue series delves into a dual storyline format: one tracing the chilling exploits of Bateman, and the other introducing a contemporary narrative featuring Charlene Carruthers – a social media-savvy millennial whose descent into violence mirrors the chilling escalation of her predecessor. This innovative take reinterprets the iconic take with a story written by Michael Calero (“Quested”) vivid artwork by Kowalski and striking colors by Simpson.

Fans of the “American Psycho” franchise can look forward to more from the accompanying soundtrack for the comic book series that perfectly complements the visual frenzy and deepens the narrative’s impact, making each issue a multifaceted experience of sight and sound. Head to the Sumerian Comics’ website for more information and to order your copies of “American Psycho.”

Head to the Sumerian Comics’ website for more information and to order your copies of “American Psycho”:

Sumerian is an American comic book and graphic novel publisher headed up by Behemoth Comics co-founders’ Nathan Yocum and Ryan Swanson, alongside Sumerian Records’ founder and film director Ash Avildsen. Sumerians’ titles are distributed worldwide by Diamond Comic Distributors to the comic market and Simon & Schuster to the book market. Sumerian averages over half a million physical comic books sold yearly.

More about Puscifer:

Born somewhere in the Arizona desert, Puscifer is an electro-rock band, multimedia experience, traveling circus, and alien abduction survivors.

The group’s catalog consists of four full-length studio albums: V is for …[2007], Conditions of My Parole [2011], Money $hot [2015], and Existential Reckoning [2020] — in addition to a series of EPs, live albums, and remixes.

Beyond the core trio of Maynard James Keenan, Mat Mitchell, and Carina Round, the group’s ever-evolving ecosystem encompasses Greg Edwards, Gunnar Olsen, and Juliette Commagere as well as a cast of characters such as Billy D and his wife Hildy Berger, Major Douche, Special Agent Dick Merkin, and many more.

Meanwhile, the moniker’s origins can be traced to a 1995 episode of the HBO classic Mr. Show where Keenan first used the name “Puscifer.” In addition to tallying tens of millions of streams and views, they’ve piqued the curiosity of the press. Entertainment Weekly christened them, “Exceptionally groovy,” and Revolver fittingly described them as “indescribable.”

Renowned for an immersive live show, the group’s performances blur the lines between concert and theater, traversing the dusty American Southwest with Billy D and Hildy or the sweaty squared circle with Luchadores. They’ve brought their unique live experience to life everywhere from Coachella to Bonnaroo. On their most recent album, Existential Reckoning, Puscifer track Billy D back to the desert and, just maybe, uncover the truth about aliens once and for all.

Karol Kamiński

DIY rock music enthusiast and web-zine publisher from Warsaw, Poland. Supporting DIY ethics, local artists and promoting hardcore punk, rock, post rock and alternative music of all kinds via IDIOTEQ online channels.
Contact via [email protected]

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