Single Slam – No Absolution by Thy Art Is Murder

Australian death core band, Thy Art Is Murder, have released a new song called No Absolution. It coincides with the recent announcement that Chris “CJ” McMahon had returned as vocalist for the band. CJ had been the lead vocalist on all the band’s full length studio releases so far but left suddenly in 2015 with the official statement claiming it was to allow him to focus on his family due to struggling to make money while in the band. Thy Art carried on regardless bringing out multiple session vocalists on tour with them and even recording a split album with Fit For An Autopsy and The Acacia Strain that was released on vinyl until, on the 14th of January 2017, CJ appeared at the Unify Festival, Victoria as vocalist again.

He confirmed there and then that he was back in the band properly which, to explain CJ’s return and to announce the release of a new track called No Absolution, prompted guitarist Andy Marsh to release the following statement:

“A little over a year ago we were left in a pickle when CJ had finally reached his breaking point – the physical, emotional and mental stresses of touring, and the lifestyle had taken its toll on him. After the dust had settled we had time to speak amongst ourselves, and with him, and we were all able to get on the same page. He was able to take time off from the road and work consistently, tick off some life goals like getting married, and enjoy the routine and familiarity of life at home with his friends and family. Conversely the rest of us kept going, touring relentlessly, playing bigger tours to more people than ever before, going to new countries for the very first time, and had a blast taking a few great vocalists and mates out for the ride with us while we weathered the storm and figured things out. Special thanks must go out to Monte Barnard, Nicholas Arthur, Lochlan Watt, and every other vocalist who took the time to apply in our discrete vocalist auditions.

After a few months away from the chaotic life on the road CJ reached out to us and we started maintaining more regular communication. He mentioned how he had started cleaning up, was focused on working hard and saving for his wedding and enjoying time at home, but he also mentioned he missed the shows, the friends, and us – his band. After months of working things out, gaining his voice back, and mending wounded friendships, we are overwhelmed with excitement to announce that we have completed writing for a new record to be released later this year, featuring the one and only Christopher John McMahon. Welcome back CJ!”

CJ himself also released a determined and bold sounding statement:

“You made me a rockstar, you made me a God, you made me immortal, I owe my fans everything. I made myself a drug addict, I made myself a liar, I made myself lose and destroy friendships, I made my family and friends hurt. I come back to the world a new man whom with my closest friends ( Thy Art Is Murder ) will prove that we are the greatest, strongest, and most powerful force in Metal, I will take no prisoners, we will crush all charts and expectations. We will take over the game and raise the bar so no one will touch it or us. I am CJ McMahon and I will stand as a King with my brothers for the rest of time.”

As for the song itself, well No Absolution is 3 minutes and 22 seconds long and does what CJ promised. It takes no prisoners. Starting straight off with ferocious drum blasts, you know within seconds this is going to be a heavy track and it is. It has a low-toned riff supported by a dropped bass line, furious drumming and vocals spat out quickly and angrily. For all their brutality, the band are also famous for their rhythms and riffs and that is hear in spades. CJ sounds in fine form with multiple different tones of death metal vocals used on the song. It even packs in a huge breakdown as well. It is a very good, solid deathcore song and a strong return from CJ and Thy Art Is Murder.

Andy Marsh added the following, in regards to how the song came to be:

“‘No Absolution’ is a rich tapestry, intertwined in faith, scripture and doctrine, and a story about the process we have endured throughout the last year. We recorded this during the session for Holy War but quite simply ran out of time to finish writing lyrics and recording vocals for it in order to make the record. This song now stands alone, without a record or release – a gift from us to you, thank you for your continued support, we can’t wait to show you what we’re making for 2017.”

Thy Art Is Murder return in their most recognisable form. They also bring with them a song that sounds like nothing ever changed for them. It is heavy, angry and is packed full of rhythm. No Absolution sounds like a strong signal of intent from the band and their plans for world domination.

Check the track out for yourself here. Why not give the band a like or a follow over on Facebook or Twitter to keep up to date with news from the band.

No Absolution is available now on all the normal music sites including Apple Music and Spotify.