Executioner’s Mask is the dark post-punk child of three unlikely suspects: Jay Gambit of the noise metal unit Crowhurst providing vocals, Ryan Wilson from the legendary Intestinal Disgorge lending both guitar and drum programming, and Lace and Cop Warmth’s Craig Mickle handles even more guitar. Together they offer a modern take on the classic blueprints set by bands like AFI, The Sisters Of Mercy and Red Lorry, Yellow Lorry. The band, hailing from equal parts Texas and Philadelphia, debuted with 2018’s True Blue demo—a gloomy and cavernous release, weaving infectious hooks at every turn. Not too much after, the group completed production on this: Despair Anthems, their Profound Lore debut. It features production from Jeff Zeigler (Kurt Vile, Nothing) and Ryan Schwabe (Big Thief, Algernon Caldweller), allowing it to be both raw and satisfying throughout.
