Photo by Joe Cardamone
As a collective, we unconsciously adapt to society’s unspoken rules, surrendering our individuality to fit within its structured confines. The invisible hand of social expectations shapes us, turning us into casualties of conformity. The world’s ways demand obedience, suppressing personal freedom and authenticity until we scarcely recognize our own desires. The pressure to conform overwhelms self-expression, and in our willingness to follow, we lose touch with the essence of who we are, becoming mere cogs in the machinery of societal expectation.
In Casualty, the newest single and video from goth visionary Omar Doom’s project Straight Razor, we are pulled into a world of brooding beats and mechanical precision. Blending dark wave, goth, and cinematic elements, he explores themes of loss, rebellion, and shifting identities.
“As we navigate this life, we adapt to the unspoken rules of society, becoming casualties of the ways of the world,” says Doom.
The title track from his forthcoming album taps into the deep, driving pulse of dark wave, techno, and EBM. Menacing rhythms and a hypnotic clockwork melody lay the foundation for a sound that cuts through with intensity, while simultaneously maintaining a sense of restraint. Doom’s signature style is evident—minimalist yet powerful, creating an atmosphere that feels both cold and electrifying. We hear nods to NIN, Skinny Puppy, Ministry and Tool in the song’s strange industrial oeuvre.
Accompanied by a haunting video directed by Joe Cardamone and featuring fashion model Vilena Poterba, Casualty marks a daring new phase in his creative evolution. The video follows Poterba’s shapeshifter as she collects souls, slipping into identities stolen from her victims. Set against a brooding backdrop, her odyssey through stolen selves evokes a sense of inevitable transformation, highlighting the tension between personal autonomy and the masks we wear. Doom’s signature fusion of ominous tones and visual intensity is both striking and sinister.
Watch the video for Casualty below:
Omar Doom’s creative journey began in Eastern Pennsylvania, where he spent his early years skateboarding, writing music, and playing shows. After earning a BFA from Parsons School of Design in NYC and Paris, Doom moved to Los Angeles to launch a clothing line with his sister. It was in LA’s social scene that he befriended Quentin Tarantino, leading to roles in Death Proof and Inglourious Basterds. Despite his cinematic success, music remained his calling. In 2023, Doom founded Doom Vision to support his project Straight Razor. With two EPs and a remix album, he soon joined VNV Nation for North American shows in 2024, leading to a world tour in 2025.
Listen to Casualty via Spotify below:
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