Listen to the box
And the pleads with every shock
We all know money talks for any crime
Brooklyn’s boundary-pushing quartet The Amatory Murder delves fearlessly into the unnerving corners of human psychology with their latest single, Velvet Noose, a daring exploration inspired by Dr. Stanley Milgram’s infamous obedience experiments in the 1960s. Fronted by vocalist and producer Xian Murder, alongside the tight rhythm and melody provided by Scott Genovese on drums, Binx Noir on bass, and Jake Haimowitz’s searing guitar lines, the band conjures a formidable blend of alt-rock intensity with touches of metal and classic rock grandeur.
Velvet Noose crackles with an uneasy, sardonic energy, driven by powerful melodies and chilling lyrical insights. It channels Milgram’s profound revelation that ordinary, decent individuals, under authoritative command, can commit horrifying acts while absolving themselves of guilt. The unsettling lyrics conjure vivid images of coerced obedience: manipulated minds complying with malevolent instructions, gradually surrendering autonomy to the sinister calm of an authoritative voice cloaked in clinical white.
“I was always intrigued (and horrified) by the Milgram Experiment as outlined in Dr. Stanley Milgram’s article The Perils Of Obedience,” says Xian Murder. “The notion that good, decent people can be pushed to do terrible, unspeakable things because they were instructed to by an authority figure is terrifying; and personally I believe spotlighting it in Velvet Noose is more pertinent than ever in light of our very recent history. That being said, Velvet Noose was so much fun to make! I really enjoyed singing over its catchy, funky 1970’s-esque vibe.”
Musically, the song surges forward, deftly balancing catchy, emotive hooks with deeply resonant, thought-provoking imagery. Influences such as Muse’s expansive melodies, Pink Floyd’s meticulous arrangements, The Cult’s emotional depth, and Nine Inch Nails’ raw emotional charge collide magnificently, underscoring the track’s cinematic scope.
As the first glimpse into their forthcoming album, The Sounds Of Seven Angels, Velvet Noose is a bold meditation on the seductive power of authority, the ease with which morality slips away under pressure, and the disturbing capacity for human cruelty, inviting listeners into a stark confrontation with their own conscience. Velvet Noose will leave listeners grappling with uneasy truths.
“I carry this knowledge with me as I witness how fear and authority still shape human behaviour,” says Xian Murder. “Obedience can be more dangerous than defiance.”
Listen to Velvet Noose below:
Pre-save The Sounds Of Seven Angels here.
The Amatory Murder is currently on tour on the East Coast, stopping in South Carolina, West Virginia, North Carolina, and finally their home turf in Brooklyn for a record release show with October Noir, Automatom, and None Shall Remain. Catch them live:
Tour Dates:
- June 13th – LA Taproom – Lancaster, SC
- June 14th – Slamteenth – The Daycare – Beckley, WV
- June 15th – Neptune’s – Raleigh, NC
- June 26th – Dingbatz – Clifton, NC
- *June 28th – Lucky 13 Saloon – Brooklyn, NY
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