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CORRECTION Dissentience

Please note that the release date for "Kaiju" was incorrect in the previous Haulix.



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Dissentience

Kaiju


20 February 2026




The *only* track currently cleared for radio/ podcast play is "Obsidian Tomb".


DISSENTIENCE, the progressive death-thrash unit from Bethlehem, PA, returns with their most conceptually ambitious and sonically punishing release to date: Kaiju. Scheduled for release on February 20, 2026, Kaiju is a four-track concept EP that fuses cinematic horror, crushing riffs, and lyrical dread into a singular apocalyptic vision. Drawing inspiration from classic Japanese monster films and the unknowable terrors of Lovecraftian mythology, the record explores the narrative of a colossal, nameless beast as it decimates a city. Rather than paying tribute to kaiju lore in name alone, DISSENTIENCE builds a world where riffs, lyrics, and production align to place the listener in the path of annihilation.


The EP begins with "Obsidian Tomb", a track that captures the initial moments of catastrophe. A somber acoustic intro builds tension before the monster is unleashed. The song moves through blast-laden choruses, thrash-driven verses, and groove-heavy interludes, all while painting a picture of destruction through the eyes of a terrified populace. The band intentionally avoids naming the monster or the city to keep the setting timeless and the fear universal. This choice also reinforces the Lovecraftian tone by allowing the horror to remain undefined, inviting each listener to project their own dread into the story.


"Chaos Absolute" takes a different narrative angle by focusing on the political and social collapse that follows the attack. Opening with a syncopated, high-tension riff and shifting into a massive, deceptively catchy groove, the track evokes the panic and futility of global leaders attempting to respond to an unstoppable force. Frantic guitar harmonies, dissonant progressions, and a brief clean bridge section give way to some of the heaviest material on the record. The phrase “fall into chaos absolute” functions as both a summary of the storyline and a reflection of the listener’s experience as the music surges with desperation.


The title track "Kaiju" represents the climax of the EP, unleashing a relentless barrage of violence and devastation. The lyrics describe grotesque scenes of bloodshed and helplessness as the beast rips through the last remnants of resistance. Riffs churn beneath guttural vocals, with every passage dripping with urgency and rage. The music mirrors the scale of the narrative, building to overwhelming levels of sonic brutality. The repeated line “Kaiju will bring forth a new age of rot” serves as the thesis for the entire record, framing the monster not only as a literal destroyer but as a symbol of humanity’s self-inflicted reckoning.


The final track "Death Shroud" transitions into the aftermath. With the monster gone, what remains is a landscape of ash, grief, and existential dread. The band leans into dissonance and atmosphere, balancing crushing heaviness with bleak introspection. Survivors are left to make sense of their trauma, questioning whether the world can rebuild or if it even should. The Kaiju, now retreated, is no less present. Its legacy hangs in the smoke, a constant reminder of how fragile everything truly was. “The Kaiju may lay dormant, but the anguish remains” is the emotional core of the track and perhaps of the entire release.


Kaiju was produced by DISSENTIENCE in collaboration with Corey Pierce, recorded at Peach Pie Sound by Matt Menafro, mixed by Zeuss, and mastered by Alan Douches. The yet-to-be-revealed cover art is by Matt Stikker, known for his vivid and brutal visual storytelling. This release follows the band’s prior offerings Mask of Pretense (2018) and Empire Anatomy (2022), continuing their evolution as songwriters and sonic architects.


Refusing to imitate the past, DISSENTIENCE draws from influences like TRIVIUM, REVOCATION, SYLOSIS, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, DEATH, and LAMB OF GOD, all while forging a sound that avoids the trappings of nostalgia. Their music is defined by technicality, brutality, and a refusal to be boxed into genre clichés. Critics have taken note. Decibel Magazine remarked that DISSENTIENCE channels the essence of classic thrash and death metal without creating a carbon copy. Metal Injection praised their ability to blend groove and fury in a way that hits with maximum impact.


With Kaiju, DISSENTIENCE has crafted more than just a record. It is a fully realized conceptual journey that pushes their sound further into new territory. Every song contributes to a unified narrative of destruction, dread, and reflection. It is a rare example of a metal record that is both musically blistering and thematically rich. Where others nod to monsters, DISSENTIENCE gives them voice, weight, and consequence.


About DISSENTIENCE:


Formed in 2013 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, DISSENTIENCE is a progressive death-thrash metal band that combines the technical precision of death metal with the relentless energy of thrash. Rejecting retro imitation and genre stagnation, the band creates forward-thinking metal that is both aggressive and dynamic. Drawing influence from bands like TRIVIUM, REVOCATION, SYLOSIS, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, DEATH, and LAMB OF GOD, DISSENTIENCE forges a sound built on sharp riffs, crushing rhythms, and inventive songwriting.


The lineup features Connor Valentin on guitar and vocals, James Vitale on guitar, Sean Langer on bass, and Nick Scherden on drums. Known for their intense live performances and refusal to be confined to a single subgenre, the band continuously pushes their sound in new directions. Their music balances chaos and melody while exploring dark themes through a modern lens.


After releasing their debut EP Mask of Pretense in 2018 and their full-length album Empire Anatomy in 2022, DISSENTIENCE returned with the concept EP Kaiju in 2026. The record blends the devastation of giant monster cinema with the dread of Lovecraftian horror, showcasing the band’s evolution in sound and narrative depth. DISSENTIENCE has earned a reputation as one of the most compelling rising forces in heavy music. Their mission is clear: to make metal that is uncompromising, inventive, and unapologetically intense.


DISSENTIENCE is:


Connor Valentin – Guitar / Vocals

James Vitale – Guitar

Sean Langer – Bass

Nick Scherden – Drums


Connect with DISSENTIENCE:


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