The new record in question, Sparta, sees the band diving into deeper sonic pools. Some of the band's grinding, stark industrial sound has been traded for a yearning doom metal vibe, with added layers of synth bringing ecclesiastic textures to the compositions therein. Strangely enough, though, though the album might feel less agitated and warlike than its predecessors, it's title might suggest that it was written as such in reaction, rather than tribute, to the chaotic times we all currently live in.
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"Much of the album is about anxiety about moving toward a future that is colder, more war-like, more violent and tribal than what I’ve seen in my lifetime," says Charlie. "The Spartans practiced negative eugenics (killing frail or disabled babies) to weed out the weak, and breed the strongest warriors. Civil war in America, and World War 3, are obviously on the table right now, but there are also other brutal futures to consider, like artificial intelligence and nanobots euthanizing everyone with IQ less than 100. Who knows what the good Lord has in store for us."
Before watching the exclusive stream of the band's new video for The Last Faith, we asked Charlie what goes into Psalm Zero's daily prayer.
1) If you had to play a newcomer one Psalm Zero song to introduce them to the band, what would it be and why?
I would probably go with Sparta. It has the metal and the pop elements balanced really well. And it has kind of a martial, marching feel to it, so it’s a good bridge between the older drum machine PZ material, and the new record’s live drum stylings.
2) Who would you say are Psalm Zero's five biggest musical influences?
As an artist in general, I have millions of influences, from Medieval music to free jazz. But as for Psalm Zero specifically, I’d list Katatonia, Godflesh, Warning, Alice in Chains, and Depeche Mode