Pitiless + Revolver: Full Album Stream

“...a scathing five-track EP that mixes death metal, grind and hardcore, recalling Pig Destroyer, Suffocation, Agoraphobic Nosebleed and Full of Hell all at once. There's a ton of positively nasty riffage backed by drum machine, and once paired with Gramlich's nihilistic and hateful vocals, the result is the hateful gems on Amaranthine.”

— Revolver Magazine

Stream the entire EP, Amaranthine, via Revolver Magazine, here.

Pitiless are an emerging two-piece from the cold, harsh, desolate Canadian metal scene, in this case, Toronto, ON, Canada, comprised of guitarist/bassist/programmer Matt DeMille and lyricist/screamer Christopher J. Gramlich (Vilipend, Ancress).

The duo forge their own path by combining non-traditional aggressive vocals — for this style of music — with extreme metal influences, such as death, grind and their various offshoots, as well as film samples (Aliens, Mad Max: Fury Road) and an actual Aztec Death Whistle. Gramlich explains Pitiless’s mindset, musically and socially. “The goal is not to be part of a scene, since we’ve always been outsiders, even in the ‘outsider’ communities of metal, hardcore or whatever, but to form genuine connections via music with individuals.” Not content to sing about heartbreak or personal issues, Pitiless draw lyrical inspiration from famed Polish painter Zdzisław Beksiński, with each song being based upon at least one of his works, as well as mental health issues and chronic pain. Pitiless also utilize a great deal of religious imagery, references and even quotes from religious texts, despite being non-believers and very much anti-organized religion, as such imagery is ubiquitous in our society and undeniably powerful and provocative.

This EP was released digitally on July 26th. Order it, here.

While Amaranthine has multiple meanings, the essential one in this context is “undying.” Not only is it incredibly “metal,” but also relates to the compulsion to continue to create music, no matter the physical and mental cost. With Gramlich breaking his back opening for Dillinger Escape Plan years ago while in Vilipend, and it worsening over time, both the need to create and refusing to “die,” no matter the pain or obstacles in the path, are pillars of Pitiless’s foundation.

Unquestionably, “negative” emotions such as hatred, misanthropy, isolation and mental and physical pain stoked the creative fires for Amaranthine, with various members having been diagnosed with severe clinical depression and suicidal ideation, as well as chronic injuries and chronic pain. Musically, Amaranthine is influenced by the likes of Suffocation, Unmerciful, Nile and Terrorizer, as well as Canadian heroes Human Compost, Blastomycosis, and Tomb Mold, among others.

Amaranthine EP:

1. To Storm the Gates of Heaven

2. Shackles of Perdition

3. Ugly on the Inside

4. Wretched Redeemer

5. Human Prey (Terrorizer Cover)

Upcoming shows:

August 4 - Toronto, ON @ Bovine Sex Club w/ Fister