Lauded Philadelphia band Paint It Black has shared “Dominion,” the second single from the upcoming record Famine (Revelation Records), set for a November 3rd, 2023 release. Following the hard-stomping “Famine,” “Dominion” is two minutes of ripping, melody-fueled hardcore shouting at the exploitation of a thoughts and prayers-filled society. Ink & Dagger guitarist Don DeVore brings his off-kilter approach to the song, contributing a distinct riff.

Expanding on the song’s sentiment, the band states:

“This song is our attempt to address our country’s frightening slide into right wing theocracy. Aside from direct assaults on reproductive freedom and free speech, the nastiest trick that religious fundamentalism plays on the faithful is the promise of a better life after the one we’re currently living. Rather than critiquing or challenging an economic arrangement that guarantees a life of toil and struggle or abject poverty for most humans, so that a very small number of people can accumulate wealth, we’re offered the narrative that suffering in this life has meaning and will grant us admission into the hereafter. In this way, fundamentalist organized religion protects power and wealth. The idea that the natural world was created for humans to exploit is the reason the world is on fire.”

Across three full-length albums and three seven-inch EPs, the four-piece of vocalist Dan Yemin, bassist Andy Nelson, guitarist Josh Agran, and drummer Jared Shavelson have been crafting concise, incisive statements that meld hardcore’s fury with a nuanced lyrical perspective. On Famine, Paint It Black shows all sides of itself, returning as inspired—and inspiring—since their latest release, 2013’s Invisible EP. The eight songs on the record are vibrant, vital, and full of unrest, packed with a decade’s worth of frustration. Lyrical themes navigate the narrative between myth and the truth, rebuking against religious fundamentalism, constitutional originalism, and the very concept of policing. Entering the studio with Jack Shirley at The Atomic Garden in Oakland, CA (Deafheaven, Gouge Away), the band recorded live to tape, providing the ability to just play as they saw fit. With Famine, Paint It Black proves that the most potent hardcore punk releases are ones that come from a space of vulnerability, honesty, and authenticity

After selling out their November 4th record release show in less than 24 hours, Paint It Black has added a second show on November 5th, both at the First Unitarian Church in Philadelphia. Support for 11/4 comes from with support from Pegboy, Radiator Hospital, and The HIRS Collective and 11/5 is The Messthetics, Spaced, Raskol, tickets on sale HERE. The band is also set to perform at this year’s edition of The Fest in Gainesville, FL on October 28th.

Upcoming Shows:

10/28 – Gainesville, FL @ The Fest

11/4 – Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church w/ Pegboy, Radiator Hospital, HIRS Collective

11/5 – Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church w/ The Messthetics, Spaced, Raskol