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LADY GAGA at Coachella, GOJIRA at the Olympics, and KNOCKED LOOSE on Kimmel, Satanic panic is sneaking back into the mainstream media. Now WEDNESDAY 13 is releasing a new album, Mid Death Crisis and let’s just say, we are so back. The Duke of Spook is tearing into summer with a rager of a record. It propels the listener from playful to tristful and then straight into a maelstrom of sound. Despite the range of emotions explored on Mid Death Crisis, its flow is consistent, albeit some tracks lack that wow factor.
Always one to play around with theatrics, the album opens with an unconvincing and foreboding message. There’s No Such Thing As Monsters caresses the ears with its less than comforting whispers and sinister synths. Right before plunging into the raucous sonisphere of Decease And Desist. Excellent pacing between music and lyrics makes this song the perfect addition to opening an album. This is a theme from start to finish, each track complements its predecessor.
From Decease And Desist, it is straight into When The Devil Commands, which is one of the most fun tracks on this record. Very tongue-in-cheek when it comes to themes of satanic panic. WEDNESDAY 13 says himself the inspiration behind the track was the 80s satanic panic pandemic. He pondered what would have frightened his mother had she heard these lyrics on the cassettes he owned back then, writing what he thought would scare her if she’d found the music.
Its heavy looping bass line and catchy hooks make it feel like 2025’s answer to Dragula by ROB ZOMBIE. Further down the track list is Decapitation, which mirrors this same energy of fun. Veering more to the punk rock side musically, it’s camp, with dramatic imagery and contains an interjection of 50s style doo wops. There is nothing to dislike about either of these tracks.
There’s then a tonal shift into In Misery, an introspective track looking at the throes of relationships and their highs and lows. Using the phrase in misery in the place of in love highlights the internal conflicts found when in love with someone. There is no resolution to being in misery rather than in love in the song’s lyrics. Just a stream of consciousness regaling the struggles faced while not wanting to leave. Chugging guitars power through the forefront of the song, with electrifying riffs fueling the background. Emulating the emotions found within it, both a trudging sensation and a catapulting, unstoppable force.
But that’s enough melancholy; following In Misery is the chaotic Blood Storm. This is a fast-paced whirlwind of sound. Whirring guitars scoop the listener up, whip them around, and leave them dizzy. The song slows to an end as a storm itself fades to a drizzle. Whether this was coincidental or an artistic choice, it works impeccably well. Keeping the energy up, it’s straight into Xanaxtasy. Am I insane, or am I just crazy? Is repeated through the song, hammering home the frustration when your mental health is worse for wear. With the aid of pounding drums adding to the atmosphere, it’s a combination of reflection and self-awareness. Despite being thematically heavy, the energetic soundtrack to back it up doesn’t make it an emotionally heavy listen.
The album starts strong and ends strong. I Hurt You has an ominous energy battling throughout for the centre stage. Keeping in theme with self-reflection and introspection, appearing again on this track. There’s a constant see-saw of accountability vs blame in the lyrics. It’s an interesting track, and although it could be taken as a cyclical inner mantra, it veers more repetitive than catchy. My Funeral, the penultimate track on the album, brings back that tongue-in-cheek fun that appears earlier in the album. Too bored to slit my wrists is heard early on and although very morbid, it’s a great analogy for apathy… Lastly but not least, closing out the whole record is Sick And Violent. Another powerful track to end on a high note. It’s racing, thundering, theatrical, but above all, it’s a bit mischievous.
Playful sleaze metal has been the main subject of this record, and it is executed extremely well. Let’s be honest, nothing less is to be expected from WEDNESDAY 13. Having said this, some tracks do seem a little bit lacking, unfortunately. Rotting Away and I Hurt You feel a little formulaic and missing that punch that other tracks offer. All albums need their breathers, and what’s for some isn’t for everyone. Similarly, No Apologies, it’s a banging track featuring the incredible Taime Downe of FASTER PUSSYCAT. Their vocals work wonderfully together, and there are some sick moments emphasising amazing guitar skills. But again, it touches on repetitive rather than catchy somehow, just missing out on that wow factor. Overall, Mid Death Crisis isn’t an album without its skips, but it’s a fun listen regardless.
Rating: 7/10
Mid Death Crisis is set for release on April 25th via Napalm Records.
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The post ALBUM REVIEW: Mid Death Crisis – Wednesday 13 appeared first on Distorted Sound Magazine.
